Finals, Fun, and Apartment Hunting

Hey Y’all,

It’s been a while since I posted, but school and life have just been overwhelming!

Classes are coming to a close at Marymount Manhattan, which means… FINALS. My finals include: a paper for WRIT 102 (freshman writing 2), an Accounting exam, an Art sketch book, a paper and exam for Religion, and then a final scene/monologue for Acting.

Last week was MMC week at Marymount and boy was it a good time! There were free events (like Strawberry Fest), free food (like Taste of Culture) and there was even a dance on a cruise boat! (I didn’t get to go to that one, though… it was sold out.) SIDE NOTE: As a college student, you will learn to take advantage of the FREE events at your school and within the city, especially the ones with FREE FOOD.

(Photos courtesy of Luisa Matalucci.)

About two weeks ago I began the search for an apartment to live in this summer and next year for college. Let me tell you, finding and securing an apartment is not the easiest thing to do in the city. Be ready to have a background check and have your whole life history laid out on paper. But on the bright side, I finally got an apartment on York Ave. and can begin moving in on May 15! Yes... :)

Sorry I don’t have many photos for you all… Since I’ve been focusing on school, not much has happened with me. But Marymount’s student newspaper just launched a new website, http://www.mmcthemonitor.com/, with some great articles and photos of what’s happening at Marymount Manhattan. I even came across my photo for The LYT (Live Your Truth) Campaign… it’s a student movement created to encourage diversity and awareness on the MMC campus. One day, G-SNAP set up a table to advertise the campaign, and they were taking photos of students with “LYT” on their bodies… check mine out!

Until after finals...

@austinnelson

Coffee. Friends. Security. (& JumpStart)

It’s been a while since I’ve updated y’all on my adventures as a Marymount student. Classes have been going just dandy and work is good! I’ve been having a lot of those days that you wake up at 9am for class and turn off your alarm, get back in bed and then wake up again at 9:59am for a 10am class… TAXI! (It will happen.)

I’ve been enjoying class and the city, traveling to new places and trying new things. A few weeks ago I went to a Ron Pope concert with Devin and Bron the Lower West Side. We were able to get front row seats, about a foot from the stage. (If you don’t know who Ron Pope is, look him up – great music.)

When you come to college you will quickly find that coffee will be your best friend, and you’re always looking for the best “cup of joe.” Well I’m pretty sure I found the best coffee shop with Devin and Liz. It is in the Village and called Bourbon Coffee. Amazing drinks and a great environment to hang out, chat with friends, take photos, and just enjoy. I just became the Peer Mentor for the Jump Start program, so maybe if you do Jump Start I’ll take you to get some coffee at the shop! I’ll be leading  the Jump Start freshmen around NYC for activities, as well as teaching their FYM class!

On another note… I was able to sign up for my fall 2011 semester courses. WHAT? Fall 2011? I feel like it was just fall 2010! Time flies when you’re having fun. Looks like I’ll be taking 4 business classes and 1 religion class. My business classes are Accounting 2, Microeconomics, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship. Maybe I’ll have a class with you!

Until then… Message me on the blog or come visit me in the Admissions Office!

-@austinnelson

PS: I’ve gotten to know lots of the security guards at the 55^th Street Residence Hall. We are “tight,” as Jacquie says (security guard), so we chat a lot on the in room intercom system. Haha. Goodtime.

Broadway Fun and Admitted Students Day.

Lately, I’ve been trying to make it a personal mission to attend a Broadway show every weekend. So far it is going great… but my funds are lacking. Last weekend I went to see Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark. I was blown away by how amazing this show was. The music was terrible, but the flying made up for everything. (Right: Spiderman musical)

Two weekends ago, I saw The Addams Family and loved it. Such a fun musical, and it adds a twist to the original story. The music was very catchy and the actors did an amazing job. I give both of these shows two thumbs up and would recommend them to you (when you visit Marymount). (Left: Addams Family musical)

As a Marymount student I also have access to FREE theatre and dance shows on campus. Our theatre department just finished the show Time and the Conways, which I heard was a wonderful production! Plus, the Campus Activities Board is constantly planning special FREE outings for students. Next week students can attend Daniel Radcliffe’s new Broadway show, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying… FOR FREE!!!!

On another note, this past Saturday was Admitted Students Day, an event for students who have been accepted to MMC. Since I work in the Admissions Office, I got to spend time with about 70 future Communication Arts majors and talk to them about Marymount! They asked me everything from why I came to MMC to what I do on the weekends. We also talked about other random topics like Twitter, Facebook, and Rebecca Black’s new video Friday.

 

My students @ Admitted Students Day!

 In the afternoon, we had karaoke and ice cream in the Commons – two of my favorite things. The students were really shy at first, so Gabby Wright and I warmed up the room with Justin Bieber’s “One Time” and “Raise Your Glass” by Pink. The students started singing everything from Rent to Oldies. Lots of Singing/Ice Cream & FUN! I finished up the session by singing Justin Bieber’s “Never Say Never.” YES! Omar Mack + Austin Nelson + Never Say Never = SUCCESS.





Omar and I singing "Never Say Never".... YES.



Did any of you guys attend the event? Did you hear me sing? Comment below!

-@austinnelson

New York City… Center of the Universe.

Since the last time I wrote an entry, a lot has happened with the city’s weather and with me. My father visited me in the city this past week and it was so nice to have him in town. We were able to go to the Top of the Rock (my favorite NYC tourist activity, photo attached). When I was there I was looking over the city and realizing that I live here. I live in one of the largest cities in the world. I have access to Broadway/corporate headquarters/culture all the time and I’m very privileged to have the opportunity to live here (kind of like a “pinch me, is this real?” moment).

After going to the Top of the Rock, we decided to go to the new Broadway show, “The Book of Mormon.” It was AMAZING, brilliant, and had me laughing the whole show. It has an original score that exceeded my expectations. (photo: curtain @ the show)

Midterms are right around the corner (lucky me) and things are just moving along @ MMC. I love my Intro to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam class. For a class, project I had to go to a Synagogue and observe the service. This class is opening my eyes to different religions and cultures within New York City. My acting class has been a lot of fun, too. I’ve enjoyed doing improv activities and various acting games each week.

I’ve been taking advantage of our two-story library at Marymount a lot this semester—both on weekdays and on weekends—to write papers and do research for my courses. On the brighter side…the weather in NYC is warming up and now we can shed our coats for spring. Spring break is coming, and I can’t wait to travel to Arizona and get some sun!

Be thankful & stay in school.

-@austinnelson

Back to Marymount Shirts and Classes.

Welcome back everyone (meaning the 1,900 Marymount students). Spring 2011 classes are now in session, and after a long break it has been difficult to get back into the swing of things. I am so happy to be reconnected with all my friends and welcome new students into the residence hall (its like starting all over again). Break was good and successful but I’m thrilled that everyone is back!

Recap of the past three weeks of school (start of Spring semester). Classes started and I love all of mine. I am obsessed with my Acting for Non-Majors class. Another fun fact: Marymount installed about twenty 60-inch TVs in classrooms over break!

Highlights since school has started include waking up to lots of snow covering the streets and getting a snow day (photo of the terrace featuring about a foot of snow). I also rented a mini cooper two weekends ago and went with friends to drive and explore the city (it was fantastic and I highly recommend it, if you can drive.) I was afraid of driving in New York at first, but then I started to be aggressive and just drove!

Since we have been back, firefighters have visited the 55^th Street Residence Hall twice. Both of the times were false alarms, , but it’s nice to know that the fire alarms work. I am still working in the Admissions office and have been giving tours (come visit me!!!) and I hope to see prospective students at the open house coming up later this month.

Time to go study. Stay in school.

-austin

i'm back...

I’m back from winter break early to work at Marymount (I’m a work-study student in the Admissions Office). It’s odd coming back to the 55th Street res hall when only about 30/500 of the students are living here. VERY QUIET. My break was good: it snowed Christmas day in South Carolina (a sight to be seen, since it usually only snows once a year), I was able to catch up with friends from home and see my family that I’ve been missing. But it’s good to be back in NYC.

I am working in the Admissions office this whole month (come and visit!!!). People thought I was crazy coming back a month before break was over, but it’s been nice! I’ve done lots in the city and I’ve been working hard. My nights are free and I don’t have to worry about homework so I have been taking advantage of the free time, catching up on some shows and spending time with friends.

Highlights so far… Gabby, who also works in Admissions, had her 21st birthday, so I was able to celebrate that with her, exploring the city! Elizabeth (who lives across the hall from me) and I went to see the play, “Time Stands Still”… it was AMAZING! Laura Linney from the Nanny Diaries was in it and did such a fantastic job! I also decided to go and see “Next to Normal” before it closes on Broadway… that show was brilliant and the cast did such a great job on stage.

The city has been cold—icy cold—and there have been a few snow flurries and one bad storm since I’ve been back. Marymount was closed yesterday because of it! For Martin Luther King weekend, I am leaving the city to travel to Arizona to see my aunt. Going somewhere warm!!!
What’s your New Year’s Resolution? Mine was to work out more and post a photo a day to my blog!

-Austin

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

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

Thanksgiving...

Well Hello!

This week has gone by so fast! I had two exams and a class presentation due this week, and I successfully got all of them done!

Another highlight of the week was getting to sign up for spring classes -- it’s crazy that my first semester of college is coming to a close. Signing up for classes was not stressful for me…

I got all the classes that I really wanted:

• WRIT 102 (part two of freshman writing)
• Accounting
• Macroeconomics
• Intro to Religious Studies
• ACTING FOR NON-MAJORS!!!

Yes, I successfully got into Acting for Non-Majors! It’s a class that fills up really fast… I’m happy with my scheduleJ

What’s up? I am been very active lately. I had lunch with the President of Marymount last week. He invited a group of students to lunch just to get feedback from us about the school. I love that I go to a college where the President cares about the student’s thoughts on how the school can improve. Someone suggested a printer be placed in the Commons for students to use, and he said that it could be done. If you get involved at Marymount, you can be a part of changing the school!

Another highlight was going to see an off-Broadway show, The Coward @ LCT3 on 42^nd Street (a theatre owned by Lincoln Center, all shows are only $20!!!). It was AMAZING! New York City is my campus and I’ve been taking advantage of that.

New York City is starting to decorate for Christmas. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is up, and Christmas music is playing in stores! I am so happy to be able to go home next week for Thanksgiving—it will be a nice break.

 

 

P.S. Last Thursday I went to DAW (Dancers At Work). They wouldn’t let me videotape in the show, but here’s a video of my friends before and after!

 

Have a great Thanksgiving!!!

-Austin

Oh my Word...

What’s new with me? Well… I am about to go through my first Advisement/Registration for classes at Marymount. I heard it’s a hectic time… but I feel pretty prepared!

I actually just changed my major to Business Management the other day. I liked Communications, but just didn’t feel like it was for me because I am looking to go into the Hotel Management field, so I decided that Business Management would be a good route! It was so easy to change my major; all I did was filled out a form and was assigned my new advisor!

Halloween weekend I was able to do lots of fun things! Yes… I did dress up!!! Ha-ha…

Friday night I went with some good friends to New Jersey to Six Flags!!! Yes, I said NJ. It was really easy to get over there (I was surprised)-- just got on a bus at Port Authority! Six Flags was amazing--all the rides and the “haunted houses” were great!

(right: waiting in line @ Six Flags NJ! Freezing!!!)

Saturday night I dressed up as Luigi (from Mario) and we to the D(2) Ball at the school (a dance event hosted by G-SNAP, one of the student run clubs!). It was lots of fun and I’m glad that my friends talked me into going!

(left: Marie and I Dacing @ D^2 Ball!)

Sunday… was sad. I had an eight-page paper due on Monday, so I spent all of Sunday working on it (you gotta do what you gotta do).

Now that it’s November, all the Christmas decorations will begin to emerge in New York City, and the cold will be sent upon us! Until Next Time…

(above: sending Gabby off to the prade

while I stay in a write a paper)

-Austin

Parents Weekend!

Herrroo! I have been super busy with school and work, but I love it! I wake up at 6:30am EVERY morning… oddly I love that I’m on a set schedule.

We had a meeting this week about how to register for spring classes!! Spring already?!?! This semester is flying by so fast, I feel like it was just yesterday I was moving into 55th Street and meeting people! But now that I’m a tour guide, I found a way to de-stress… through dancing!

Well… crazy enough, but it’s been lots of fun! This past weekend was Family, Friends, and Alumni Weekend! Sadly, my parents did not attend the event but I still had such a good time! I was able to play in the flag football game (my team won! GO GRIFFINS!!!). It was on Roosevelt Island, so it was cool to see where some of the upper classman dorms are. SUCH NICE WEATHER and… my friend Gabby won Marymount Princess!!!! (Congrats, 3 years strong)

Here is a photo of everyone who played football (we all got free sweatshirts)!

Until Next Time,
Austin

Hey Ya'll!

Hey Ya'll! I am Austin Nelson, a freshman at Marymount Manhattan College. I’m a Comm Arts major with minors in Business and Theatre.

I live at the 55th Street dorms with 5 other guys in my room. I was worried at first, but the rooms are pretty big.

I grew up in a pretty small southern town in South Carolina. So… Coming to New York City was a big change, but a change that I wanted in my life. I went to a small private Christian school in which I graduated with 69 other people. 

(This was my graduating class!)

When it came time to look for schools I made a list of things that I wanted in a school: Small, Had my Major, Good Food, and Nice Dorms. My parents wanted me to stay close to home, so I started my college search at local, private schools. All the schools seemed to fit ¾ of my priorities but I never felt “right” in any of the local schools.

I came across Marymount Manhattan one day on CollegeBoard.com (great resource) and fell in love with what I saw! I watched the videos of the college/dorms and was amazed and had to visit!

Well… the rest is history, because now I am at Marymount Manhattan living my dream, and I must say that Marymount fit 4/4 of my priorities (the foodis amazing!).I’ve gotten really involved, I’m the Yearbook Business Manager, I work for Admissions, and I have my own radio show on Griffin Radio. I love MMC!