Interviews, Nook, New Years Resolutions

Well tomorrow is the first day of class. I've been thinking alot about how I want to tackle this semester. I was pleased with the fall but I am absoluteky convinced I can do better. Hence why Ive pre outlined four bio chapters and two chem ones, plus I even got a head start with OWL. I feel extremely glad I did thus. Speaking of which, I am writing this blog from my new Nook tablet. I absolutely adore my Nook, its perfect for reading (no more late night reading by the fire) andI can carry by school notes with me at all times. Completely worth the week I spent bidding on ebay (winning it on New Years Eve), and the other week I spent tracking the package from two different post offices, each claiming the other one had it.

Anyhow this vacation allowed me to distribute my time between exploring my other interests such as calligraphy and writing and working with my parents. Its quite nice when your parents upholster furniture, Ive been to some of the coolest restaurants and most gorgeous townhouses in the city. I also helped during the interviews for the potential class of 2016. I was present during the first and last night. First night I was a greeter, I simply directed kids where to go from the lobby. Although there wasnt much time to talk to the kids, I solved this problem the second time around. The last night I was initially signing the interviewers in but when my friend needed someone else to accompany her downstairs I went with her. So this time, instead of simply telling the kids where to go, we personally took them up. This gave me a chance to ask them how they were and to ask them if they had any questions. I love talking to them because I was once in their position and I cam certainly think of ways that it could have gone better.

I always love volunteering at events like this, even in high school I adored helping out at PTC, open houses and schoo lfairs. I even some from people from Townsend Harris at the interviews. Its amazing the diversity of students that apply to Macaulay, their backgrounds (out of state), intended majors (environmental science) and overall look. Some wore suitsand were completely confident. Others were much nervous so I tried my best to ease their doubts. One guy told me he was tired and I told him to wake up, he needed to be alert and ready. It was quite nice to tall about my experiences at hunter and it really helped me to solidify my growing sense of belonging here.

19, Winter Break, and Chanel

Bonjour everyone!!!!
The spring semester starts this Friday and with it the start of my daily train commute, bleary eyes, and pre-med life. haha. I'm definitely excited for this semester. I enjoyed my first semester and look forward to a challenging, but thrilling second semester.
NYC had its first snowfall of the year this past weekend. I've been waiting for the snow to come for weeks, but I guess the snow God had enough fun with NYC last year and took his snowflakes elsewhere this year. haha. I missed the feeling of the crunch of the snow underneath my feet.

I've had a very relaxing break filled with lots of reading, watching TV and movies, sleeping, and daydreaming. It's going to feel strange to go back to school after such a relaxing month.

I got to see one of my friends from high school this past Thursday. We decided to go to Brighton Beach in Brooklyn and walk on the boardwalk. I had a great time. Since it's the middle of winter and it was a particularly cold day, we basically had the entire beach to ourselves--it was just us, a bunch of seagulls, and a few old Russian couples. haha (oh and we found this horseshoe crab shell on the sand right next to the boardwalk): =p

This past Saturday, I watched a French movie (there are English subtitles) called "Coco Avant Chanel", which translates into "Coco Before Chanel". If you're interested in Coco Chanel or just in fashion, then you will love this movie. It depicts her youth and her struggles to find love and become successful. It's really a fantastic movie and Chanel is so incredibly inspiring.

Yesterday was my 19th birthday. It was a great day--just a quiet birthday with family and some great chocolate cake. My dad started this tradition of getting me roses on my birthday a few years ago. Here are the 19 roses he got me yesterday:

I think I'll end each of my blog posts with a quote this semester.


Courage is not the lack of fear but the ability to face it."
---- Lt. John B. Putnam Jr. (1921-1944)

S.

School!

All in all, I'd say I really am ready for the new semester. I am actually really looking forward to school, something I never thought I'd say. Not only do I get to go back to the dorm and see my friends, but I'm actually excited about going to class. I like doing well and applying myself. I'm pretty determined to do well this semester and I can't wait to apply this energy

Anthro-Human Evolution, and Statistical Psychology are most likely going to be what require most of my time. So that will mean a lot of studying in the ambulance and a lot of late night outline creating. I wonder if I will look back at this time in my life through a romantic lens and if all of this will seem very artistic. Maybe I should study at a bakery or read in Washington Square Park.

Bye.

Michael