Oh The Places You'll Go

As I sit and reflect upon my first semester, I catch myself smiling and laughing about all of the amazing moments I've experienced here. I've met friends to last a lifetime, I've been to some pretty amazing parties, and I've gotten the opportunity to see the things I've only seen in the movies like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square! A couple of weeks ago I went to the tree lighting! I remember sitting in the living room with my family watching it on TV, but I was there!! It's so amazing just to be able to do all of these things, like a dream come true.

I know...it sounds so cliche, come to New York and all of a sudden I'm "living the life". But it's the truth, I didn't come here to be a star or to follow my dreams (although if it happened I'd have no objections :D), I came here to go to school and get an education. But in the process, I've found my home. My entire life I moved from house to house, state to state and not once have I truly been able to call those places my home. This city is my home, no questions about it. And I thank Marymount Manhattan College for the opportunity.

I remember when I got the email saying that I was accepted into the school! I was at a loss for words, (and trust me, that doesn't happen often). Now that it's been a whole semester already, that seems like such a long time ago! I'm proud of the choice I made. The classes were great, the people are amazing, and the professors!! My script-analysis professor is probably the most brilliant person I've ever met in my life! His knowledge of the theatre is so vast and on-point! I just want to sit at his feet as absorb in all of that knowledge! It's just amazing the things I've learned, and the places I've gone since I've been here.

The last week of the semester, I knew that I was going to be leaving the city for a while and couldn't sleep at all! One night I was up all night, and around 5:30 I decided to walk to Hot Jumbo Bagel (best bagel place anywhere near the dorms!) and get a bagel while I watched the sunrise. It was the most beautiful sunrise I have ever seen!

That's what I love about the city; it has a beauty unlike anything else. Palm Desert, CA is a pretty city as well, but there's nothing quite like a New York City Sunrise :)

I had a great semester...wouldn't change it for the world. Thanks Marymount Manhattan College for this fantastic opportunity!!

~*Darius A. Journigan*~

End of the semester's here, shed a tear.

I don’t have any classes today. This is good because I’m practically nodding off at work right now. Luckily, Marymount is pretty sleepy at the moment. Everyone has gone home. When I went shopping for last minute Christmas gifts last night, the excuse my suitemate Starr and I used for everything was, “It’s our last night in the city.” Gigantic plate of fried chicken and fries from Plaza Diner ? Last night in the city. Ice cream? Last night in the city.

Of course, it’s not really. We’re going to be back next month; in fact, since my Dad lives in Westchester county I’ll probably be back within a week or so. It’s different when you’ve been living here though. You get used to the sound of horns and your noisy suitemates. In the suburbs, the silence is deafening and eerie.

I was hoping to continue my job at MMC during the break, but with the cost of Metro-North tickets and subway fare, I couldn’t make it worthwhile. I still have plans for my January break— writing my novel, visiting friends and family in Florida, and researching summer internships come to mind—but I’m raring to come back to MMC. I got into the theatre program for the production and management concentration and I want to start my stagecraft class today. 

(above: me in about six weeks, but with glasses and long hair)

Instead, I’ll have to settle for wandering down to Times Square before tonight and picking up a “Stage Manager” star.

I hope you have a wonderful January. I’ll see you when the spring semester starts.

-K.M.

The Time Has Come!

Hello world,

The fall 2010 semester is finally over! I love school, but I need the break. So many great things have happened to me this semester at Marymount, and I’ve learned some amazing things in my classes.

 

I expect to end up with four A’s and one B. So far I only have my final grade in my Intro to Journalism class, an A. Journalism was one of the less interesting topics I’ve learned about this semester. Interpersonal communication, on the other hand, was the most. My interpersonal communication course has actually taught me how to become a better communicator throughout my daily life. 

For example, my skills from my interpersonal communication course helped me to communicate effectively during my interview for an internship at MTV. I got the internship, and I’m psyched! I’ll be preparing media clips and other fun intern stuff. I’m not too sure on the specific details yet, but I will be receiving three Marymount credits for the internship!

 

I’m on winter vacation until the spring 2011 semester begins in early February, although I begin my internship on January 18, 2011. While on my one month break I plan to do a few things: work on my strength and conditioning (something I neglect too often during the school semester), read 3-4 books, and write a television script. I am currently half way through the script writing process, but haven’t started the actual script yet. 

Have a Happy Holiday season!

Have fun! Be safe!

Until next semester,

            Howard

P.S. There will be no cookies over the break, I’m on a diet!

First Semester of College… CHECK!

The other day we had a hall meeting with our RA at the 55th Street dorm to learn about how to check out of the dorm for the winter break. I feel like it was just yesterday I was sitting in the hall learning about the ins and outs of the dorm, and now I’m already checking out. My first semester of college is coming to a close. With exams, papers, and work, I don’t have much of a life right now. It is a stressful time, but that’s just part of college. I am looking forward to December 23rd @ 9am when I board the plane at LGA and say goodbye to New York for a few weeks, being able to relax at home.

As I look back on my first semester at Marymount I think about coming in August, moving into the dorms for Jump Start, and meeting all of the 25 other people that did Jump Start. I had never met any of the people, other than talking on Facebook. And now I am best friends with many of them and we are like a mini family. It has been really easy meeting new people and friends at MMC. Everyone is so accepting and comes from all over the world, so it’s a good mix. (Left, My Jump Start group @

5Pointz in Queens.)

My first semester living in NYC and attending college has been successful. Meeting newpeople, making connects, getting a job, seeing performances, learning the subway, trying all the restaurants, and late-night Pinkberry. These are just a few of the things that made this semester enjoyable. I came to New York to come to college and have gained so much in the process. I have made friendships with people that will last forever and hope to make many more next semester. I have made connections with my teachers (who all know my name) and have started learning many of the facility at Marymount. It’s like a big family. (Right, Savannah and me at my first Apple Fest)

(Above, My friends and I on the American Eagle billboard in Times Square, really cool! If you buy something from their store you get your picture taken and it might show up on their jumbotron!)

It was hard coming to NYC for school because I thought I would miss my family and friends. But I have had so many visitors since coming to the city that has made the transition easier. Also, I have been able to “become” part of my friend’s families by going home with friends over the weekend and getting away from the city.

I made the right decision to attend Marymount Manhattan College because it is truly a perfect college for me! Everyone should come and explore our campus and see what makes it so unique, and maybe I will even give you a tour!

But for now, I leave you with this video, a unique perspective on the 55^th Street Res Hall…

Until next semester,

-austin

OHMYGOSHIMSTRESSEDOUT! (:

Hullo again fellas and lassies! Well, good golly miss Molly and a bucket of holiday cheer! I've been so incredibly busy lately, I almost fell asleep standing up at work today. I was pretty stressed out a couple of days ago...so I planned out every minute of every day in my handy dandy...NOTEBOOK! (Aka planner) You cant really tell, but I have about 3 free hours this week. Thats when I'll be sleeping hopefully. (:

As much as I'm totally complaining about being so busy, its what I'm used to and what, ultimately, I love. I just hate sitting around being bored and staring at the TV when there's a big, bright, bustling New York City waiting to be enjoyed! And its Christmastime...my ALLTIME FAVORITE! At our apartment, we've just dressed up Bruce the Spruce with some holiday trimmings courtesy of my lovely mother, including a countdown of mini presents to Christmas!

I'm so happy to be making more and more friends lately--I've found that the only way to find friends is to ... MAKE THEM! I've been chatting all the people in my classes up lately (you get more familiar with people as the semester progresses) and I found a group of lovely dates to the Snowball last weekend! All of them are in CAB (Campus Activities Board), so we arrived early (ish) to set up, danced allllllll the live long night, and helped break down. It was a night of swing dancin, big band, flapper-esque partyin'!

Work is getting busier and busier and I'm finding myself getting more and more classically "New York". For example, a couple days ago we had a line wrapping all the way around the BLOCK from 5th Avenue, down 58th Street and then around to Madison Avenue. I couldnt get to work there were so many people. I was getting a little frustrated because of the crowds and the ridiculous number of tourists walking SO SLOWLY. But then I thought, hey, NY is pretty amazing. I'm lucky I get to live here--these people may only get to see it a few times in their lives. Let them walk slow. (: I'm so incredibly lucky to be living in such a truly fabulous city.

So, basically this week I'll be gearing up in classes for finals in my two art history classes and my Bible as Lit class and rushing to finish the copy of a Vermeer painting that I somehow have to have done by Thursday. I'm also working on my junior exhibition. This is what I have so far....haha.

Constructive criticism is welcome and appreciated!

Cant wait--only a week and a half til I'm back in Virginia celebrating my favorite holiday with my wonderful family. I hope you all have happy holidays! (:



Stressed out?

Hey everyone. I’m not sure how many of you noticed how many of us were late with posting this week, but it generally means the same thing… WE ARE ALL DONE. Thanksgiving break always ends up being that much-needed rest that you are never ready to return from, because when you do start class again, it only means end-of-term papers, research, speeches (in my case) and exams.

Has anyone ever heard of a ‘reading period’ from his or her friends at other schools? It’s basically a period of time where all classes end and a few ‘reading days’ are given to students to study and write final papers. After that period, final exams are scheduled, and once you finish your last test, you leave for the semester. Sound nice? MMC offers a lot of support services during finals – free tutoring and extended library hours, to name a few – but no reading days…yet. In the true MMC spirit of independence and initiative, I’m starting a petition for a reading period here. Marymount really seems to care about what the students think --the administration has amended policies in the past because of student protest. (Did anyone notice that new freshman don’t have the Public Speaking requirement anymore? ) Keep your fingers crossed!

Other than school, I haven’t been doing much else. I’ve been pretty broke as of late and have been trying to stick to cheap/free activities. Last night, Amy and I went to the tree lighting at Stuyvesant Oval. There was free hot chocolate and apple cider and professional carolers. It was really nice and I can’t wait to head to Rockefeller this year. I usually wait to go when friends or family come to visit me.

I’ve also been basking in the Harry Potter marathon on ABC family and reading the books and still being excited after the 7^th movie just came out. I thought it was really good in comparison to some of the other movie versions that have been directed. What did everyone else think?

I’ve also recently become interested in the history of Christmas since I heard a theory about it being related to the Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar. I’ll let you know what I find out! Good luck with work, and help me wish for snow!

Fun Times During My Commute

Hola World,

Three days a week I take New York City’s finest buses and subways to Marymount—my commute is approximately two hours in each direction. But with finals coming up in the next week or so, I’ve been utilizing my commute wisely by studying. I have to study for finals in Intro to Journalism, Business and Society, and Survey of Film and Video. But I also found time to get some footage of my commute to give you an idea of what it’s like. Enjoy! 

Until next time,

               Cheers!

P.S. My dad bought Strawberry Oreos last week – I don’t recommend them.

Snowball. Snowfall. (It’s a NYC holiday)

It amazes me that Thanksgiving is over! Where has time gone?!? It was just yesterday that I was moving into 55^th Street dorms for Jump Start and meeting new people… now I am about to check out of 55^th for winter break !

Before I left to go on Thanksgiving break, one of my good friends, Savannah, had her family come to visit! They came to town to see Savannah perform in the Dancers at Work Show. They took the “Nuggets” (Devin, Savannah, Sarah-Louise, and me) to brunch before they left. It was so nice to meet them and spend time with them. It made me miss my family even more and made me wish for Thanksgiving to come sooner!

Thanksgiving was good. I was able to travel home to the good ol’ south to relax and see family. I ate so much, but now that I’m back in the city I can walk it all off again (and go to the gym). Breaks are kind of weird; I love going home to see my family and high school friends, but it’s just not the same as before. All break I was thinking about New York and wishing I was at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade instead of watching it on TV. Maybe next year J

I attended the Snowball dance this past Friday hosted by the Campus Activities... AMAZING! It was held at the Affinia Hotel Ball Room in Harold Square, lots of students attended and we danced the night away. I am already ready for the Boat House dance in the spring.

The Christmas tree is all-bright and now the countdown is on till Christmas! I can’t wait to travel home again to SC for the Christmas break to see everyone. But… before I go I have to finish this semester off strong: papers/exams/projects to be done!

Until then… Enjoy the Nuggets Elf-Yourself Video...

Stay in School.

-austin

Does it sound like Christmas?

I hear Christmas in the air! Christmas in the city is magical, I can already tell. Of course that means finals are right around the corner, but that’s ok because then it’s Christmas time and I get to go to Maryland to see my mommy! (Aand my other family, of course.) I’m so excited, but then it’s right back to the grind with the Communications Today course I’m taking in January. I guess they’re right when they say, no rest for the wicked!

Me and my Mommy Last Thanksgiving

But that’s ok, because it’s only one course. So it means lots of time to spend on Carma Monde and hostessing at PJ Clarke’s! And I’m also going to be staying at my friend’s apartment and getting to play with Jada, the Carma Monde “mascot” (aka my friend Carrie’s little doggy).

Jada!

I’m really not looking forward to finals, but no one ever really likes finals. Hopefully they’ll just go by fast and be over with. It really does seem unreal that finals are three weeks away. It doesn’t even seem possible. Didn’t I just come to the city a few weeks ago?

For the next few weeks it’ll be work, class, Carma Monde, and learning how to knit (for Carma Monde!).

Till next time…

Love Love!

Caitlin

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! (:

Hi again! Well, last week was Black Friday and I worked...in New York City...at a flagship toy store...on 5th Avenue. (:


Black Friday line into FAO Schwarz



It was not nearly as bad as I had anticipated. I babysat in the morning for my kiddies (who's mom last week gave birth to a new baby boy!) and then went straight to FAO Schwarz to play with toys. I seriously have the best job ever.  

     

My family left this morning too. ): Sad news, but they have been here since Tuesday and it's been nice having them around! My dad was sick, but they still got to see a lot of NY, even though I've been in school and working. My brother bought a Myachi at my store and we made it a family game in my tiny apartment. We also had Thanksgiving here! In my kitchen/living room, around my coffee table! We watched Miracle on 34th Street and football, obviously, and I finally got to have southern food! Its so hard to find real comfort food in New York.



The before picture.

Sunday my roommate and I cohosted a Thanksgiving feast withfor a bunch of our friends. We brought mashed potatoes, stuffing, banana bread, Coke, punkin pie, and other stuff! Thing is...we were both rushing from work, and afterwards our kitchen looked like the apocalypse had happened. But it was yummy!

Thanksgiving aftermath

  

Ohmygosh!!! My birthday was on the 18th and I got the best present ever! My best friend from Virginia called me while I was asleep at 7am and told me to answer my door. He'd come all the way from VA to surprise me and spend the day with me! It was so sweet and I even skipped a class :X We ate Pinkberry and I wore the dress he bought me and had my favorite food, Dallas BBQ. It was lots of fun.

Overall I had an awesome holiday week. I'm trying not to think about the two papers I have due this coming week... (: See ya!

  





Time Management

Tick Tock. Tick. Tock. Do you hear that? Of course you don’t. All of your clocks are digital by now. But it’s the sound of your life passing you by. Under the pile of papers due, your stress from your job and extracurriculars, you can sense it.

I’ll admit, that’s me. This post is far too late for me to have any good excuse. Rather, I have several, but they all revolve around: busy, busy, busy.  Since starting at Marymount in August, I’ve been juggling:

·    Writing and editing my submission to the Marymount Manhattan Review

·    My radio show and other related responsibilities (I worked the Senior Soiree with another Griffin Radio DJ)

·    Preparing for my stage management interview. Cross your finger for me!

·    My work-study job in the Office of College Relations and Advancement. I get to write articles for the website and also stuff paper into envelopes. Guess which one I enjoy more.

·    Writing for MMC’s paper, The Monitor. I have a regular humor column called “Random Thoughts.”

·    Family obligations. It’s nice to live closer to family, but then they want you to visit and actually do things with them. Selfish!

·    Domestic stuff. Think showers, laundry, dishes. All of that icky stuff.

·    Oh yeah, and classes.

A big part of why I am so busy has to do with how often I get distracted by trivial things. So today, kiddos, I’m going to give you a short lesson on how to focus in college. 

1)   Ban Facebook. When you have a paper due, Facebook is the bane of your existence. It doesn’t exist. Turn off the notifications that go to your phone and e-mail. Or, better yet…

2)   Turn your phone on silent, or even just off. If you’re the type who has friends texting you every five minutes, it would be especially wise to do this. Every time your phone goes off it takes you out of whatever it is you’re doing (reading, writing a paper, creating a playlist for your radio show) and it’ll take longer to get done.

3)   Don’t multi-task. Especially if you’re multi-tasking a school assignment with a fun thing to do. Multi-tasking actually shortens the amount of time you’re able to focus on one thing. The only things you can do at once are my favorite combination: folding laundry and watching TV.

4)   Take advantage of downtime. Right now, I’m at work. I don’t really have a lot to do today, so instead of reading about the Queens of England on Wikipedia for fun (I wish to God I was kidding about this) I’m doing my blog post, because I know that when I get home I’ll be exhausted and not want to do it. 

Hey, does her necklace remind you of the one Ugly Betty wears?

Do any of my fellow bloggers or readers have some tips? Leave them in the comments and I’ll be sure to add them in.

Much love,

K.M.

:)



Sacred Heart girls <3

 Ahhh the holiday season is finally here! It's time to whip out my hat and gloves (even though I have had them ready since the beginning of November). 

 

I just returned from a very relaxing and lazy Thanksgiving break. 

It was nice to be home to eat my mom and dad's delicious home cooked meals, and even see some high school friends. 

I also visited my high school to see Sacred Heart's underclassman perform in the annual production of "The Nutcracker."

 

Victoria, Me, Mariel, and Meg <3



It was lovely to reunite with the girls who helped run the production last year with me :)

However, I was very excited to return to the city and start preparing for the end of semester, my birthday, and the holiday season in New York City. 

My roommates and I had been anxiously waiting to decorate our suite with Hanukkah and Christmas decorations! We just finished last night and it is a joy to come home to a “Winter Wonderland.”



I recently saw Part 1 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and I went ALL out this year. I frantically bought tickets a month in advance to see it opening night. 

I also decided to dress up like Severus Snape, in an attempt to fully embrace the ever-awesome Alan Rickman. I think I carried his role pretty well ;-) I love the evil characters best.

 

He is just so good!



Me as Snape and Alexandra as Bellatrix

 

The film was dark and sad, as expected, but it didn’t disappoint.

And just as I always recommend the movies every year, I support the books even more. So go read!



Lucca and I messing around!

I’m really looking forward to this week because Marymount is having a holiday snowball dance themed “The Roaring Twenties” on Friday night and it will definitely be pretty fun.

Prior to the dance, my friend Lucca and I are going to see a Steven Sondheim concert full of some of his greatest works with many special broadway guests.  (Lucca was able to get us free tickets!) Friday will be a great kick-off to my birthday weekend! I just cannot wait to get dressed up and take lots of pictures haha!

But tonight I am going to go to Rockerfeller Center to see the Christmas tree light up!

For years I’ve watched it on television, but have never actually been there in person to see this happen in front of my very eyes.

Hopefully it won’t continue to rain….



Sadly, I will be turning nineteen next Tuesday… and I just cannot believe it!

It’s so crazy!! Life goes by so fast but on a happy note I will be celebrating it in the best city in the entire universe.

Wow, I just thought of that… ok maybe my birthday will be more exciting th
an I thought ^_^

So that is all for now! Good luck with finals everybody!! 



P.S.  I GOT MY BRACES OFF!!!!!! :D

This is me on Griffin Radio...