Junior Year

Last night I sat across from my little, watching her unpack her room and realized, "Tomorrow is the first day of my junior year. Of college." I can't believe how fast time flies by, and it's so weird to see groups of freshman wandering around campus and think that that was me 2 years ago.

While today is the first day, my one class is already cancelled and my internship doesn't even start until next week (eeek!!). So, I finally have a little time to blog (and something to blog about). It feels like just yesterday I pulled in to New York with my car full of dorm supplies, ready to tackle my freshman year. Now that I have moved into my room, ready to tackle my junior year, I still have some of the same excitement that I felt during Welcome Week.

Every semester brings a new chance, new changes, and new friends. It's so much fun to see everyone from last year, and still be making new friends 2 years into my college career. I have met some amazing people here (as I talk about all the time) and I'm still meeting amazing people. I have so many opportunities here that I wouldn't have had at another school- being so close to New York City, getting amazing internships (more on that later), being a part of some incredible organizations, and becoming close with all the amazing people I've met since I arrived at orientation.

Sometimes I think about what it would be like if I had attended a different school, or even picked a different major, but then I think about all the things that never would have happened. I never would have been able to intern in NYC, I never would have danced on Broadway, I never would have gone to Korea, I never would have joined Zeta Phi Eta, and I would have totally different friends that I maybe wouldn't have loved as much as my friends at Hofstra (let's be real I could never love anyone more than my crazy friends here).

Talk about a throwback: Kristen, one of my best friends now, started out as my roommate at freshman orientation! This is the first picture of us (with many more to follow) after we got stuck in a torrential downpour during a walk allllll the way across campus. It's been over 2 years since orientation and I still love seeing this girl!

For all the freshman starting college- DO NOT FREAK OUT. You will love it, even if you're homesick or stressed or overwhelmed or just plain confused. You will meet amazing people and make amazing memories.

I'm still freaking out a little that so many of my friends are graduating, and I only have one semester left with them since I will be in Amsterdam next spring. This is going to be a wild, busy, exciting, and totally fun semester, and I cannot wait to get started. 

Back to School

EEEK!!! I head back to Hofstra in just under 3 weeks and I cannot believe how quickly summer has flown by! I feel like my trip to Korea was years ago, and the new semester is creeping up on me. I have friends who have already headed back to school, and I haven't even thought about packing...

Speaking of packing, I wanted to put together a little post about what to bring to college. This is mostly helpful for those starting freshman year, but even if you're a senior who just can't remember what you need, you may find this list helpful.

This was my dorm freshman year- can you tell I color-coordinated?

What to Bring

• Bedding: this seems obvious, but you need more than just a set of sheets. Make sure to pack a mattress pad, a mattress topper/egg crate, and a blanket because dorms are COLD. Even when you can control the temperature in your own room, sometimes the school keeps the AC on until November...
• Towels: whether you have your own bathroom or you're sharing with the entire hallway, a few big, fluffy towels are a must.
• Bathrobe: for running down the hall to catch the next open shower. 
• Shower shoes: I cannot stress this enough- if you are using a communal bathroom WEAR SHOWER SHOES. Don't even try to think about what could be on that floor.
• Books/DVDs: I know you think you'll be out every night with your awesome new college friends, but sometimes you find yourself at home alone and need something to do besides homework. Don't bring your entire movie collection, but a few favorites can really zap your homesickness.
• Medicine: If you take any prescriptions or even just need an Advil every now and then, bring it. You never know when you'll need them and you don't want to be wandering through the school's convenience store coughing up your lungs and paying $12 for some cough syrup.
• A winter coat: If you are going to school anywhere above the Mason-Dixon line, you will need your coat. A lot of people recommend leaving your winter clothes at home and swapping them out at Thanksgiving break. These people are either a)crazy or b)did not go to school in New York. I needed coats, sweaters, and boots around October, and that was a mild winter. Don't pack every sweater you own, but if you're headed north you definitely won't need that bikini. 
• Slippers: Tile floors are cold, and sometimes it's just too much effort to put on real shoes to run down the hall to your friend's room. 

What to Leave at Home:

• Your entire wardrobe: I was the worst packer ever my freshman year- 90% of what I brought was clothes, and I think I ended up wearing about 30%.  You will end up wearing a variation of the same few outfits all semester, whether you intend to or not.
• T-shirts: Also a mistake I made- I brought 12020481204810 t-shirts, saying, "I'll need these to lounge around my dorm!!" Much like my regular clothes, I ended up wearing the same 5 shirts all year. You will also accumulate shirts during the year from various clubs, sporting events, and giveaways, so keep your freshman year drama club shirt at home.
• Formal wear: leave your prom dress at home; formal events are usually scheduled far enough in advance that you will be home on break to pick it up or will be able to buy another one (this is almost always true....). Take one or two nice outfits that you could wear to an event such as a dinner, initiation, presentation, or interview. This goes for heels- stick to one or two pairs that will go with your nice outfits. 
• Every accessory, beauty product, headband, pair of socks, etc. that you own: While you won't be wearing sweatpants every day (at least I hope not!!), you most likely won't get dressed up as often. And if you need something, you can always buy it! Unless you are going to college atop the Himalayas, you probably don't need your massive collection of eyeshadow or 47 pairs of underwear. You'll be fine.

After the 2 day car ride from Texas- this is actually in front of the admissions office where I now work!

There is no way I could put into one list every single thing you need for college. It's one of those "you'll see when you get there" things. I know, it makes heading off for freshman year even more stressful, but you'll get through it!

People aren't lying when they say that college is waaaaayyy better than high school. College is AMAZING- you will meet so many new people that share your interests and come from all over the world. I had a blast my first semester, and I am not exaggerating when I say that each semester has become exponentially more awesome. I have made incredible friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime, become a part of amazing organizations, and done some pretty crazy things.

No matter where you're going, you will love college. Just remember to get out there, meet people, go to class even at 8 am, call your mom, and study at least a little. But most importantly, have fun!

Women in the World

Ok, I finally have a little time to sit down and blog (or I'm just a terrible blogger and that's my excuse...), and I can finally tell all about my amazing weekend.

This year was the 5th annual Women in the World Summit, a gathering of dozens of powerful and influential women who are making a real difference in the world. The summit is organized by Tina Brown, the founder of Women in the World, former editor at The Daily Beast, and current CEO of Tina Brown Live Media. And guess who was at the summit (hint: me!)?

I interned with Newsweek and The Daily Beast last summer, when Tina Brown was still in charge, and one of my editors now works for her over at Live Media. He sent me an e-mail over spring break (which I responded to while riding in a convertible through Newport, in typical California fashion), asking if I wanted to work the summit! Obviously!

I was on the social media team, responsible for live-tweeting various sessions during the summit from the WITW account; when I wasn't tweeting from there I was tweeting from my own account- basically I was using social media for my job!

My very first press credentials!

Lincoln Center, after Day 1.

Jon Stewart (yes that Jon Stewart!) and several Arab activists discussed the effects of the Arab Spring on women.

Charlie Rose and Pussy Riot!!

Sorry for the hotel selfies, I had to get at least one outfit picture. Blazer, Talbots. Skirt, Cynthia Rowley. Heels, Guess. Top, Ross. 

Tina Brown and UN Ambassador Samantha Power, one of my idols!

Just a few of the amazing women who spoke throughout the week.

One of my awesome editors from the Daily Beast! (Top and skirt, both Forever 21)

While I didn't get to meet anyone (the downside to being a reporter sometimes- less access!), I did have a seat in the press box for the summit and was able to be in the same room as not only great female journalists but great women who are making a huge difference. The best part was seeing Kelsey, one of my fellow interns from last summer who I become great friends with, who came up all the way from school in Florida for the summit! It was so much fun getting to stay with her in the city and hang out again!

It was a huge, huge honor to be a part of this and I hope to be back next year (provided I am not in Amsterdam)! This only confirms how much I love journalism and all the opportunities that it comes with, and I am so thankful to have had the chance to intern at The Daily Beast last summer and reunite with everyone. 

April 1st

There are so many things going on this month, and I wanted to take the time to sit down and reflect on this month and what it means. I'm turning the big 2-0 this month (that's a little scary!), so in honor of my birthday here are a few things I'm grateful for, proud of, or just amazed that they are happening!

1. I am turning 20. I will officially be two decades old. Being 20 seems like a useless birthday because I still can't drink or rent a car or gamble, but it's a big deal. I will finally stop being a teenager, yet I'm still in a weird limbo of not being a kid but not being an adult. However, a new decade means new beginnings!

2. I am performing on Broadway. I am so honored to be a part of Spacefroot Dance Company, and the fact that we are dancing at a theatre on Broadway in New York City (on my birthday) is unreal. I never, ever, ever thought that this would happen to me. Sure, every girl who takes a ballet class dreams on being that beautiful ballerina in all white on the NYC stage, but I'm pretty darn close to that dream.

4. I work two jobs, and being a Pride Guide and a French tutor has made me realize how important it is to manage your time. Creating a schedule for work, class, and extra curricular activities (can you still call them that in college?), has made me even more organized than I was before.

5. I have the opportunity to study abroad. While I wait for the University of Amsterdam to let me know whether or not they have accepted me, I think about all the things I plan on doing if I go- all the travel, sightseeing, and experiences I plan on having.

5. I am literally living my dream. I spent my whole life saying that I wanted to move to New York, and I did. I packed my little car up and headed here for college, fulfilling my dream of someday living in New York. Even if I don't end up living in New York forever after I graduate, I'm here now!

6. I just took an awesome trip to California with great friends, one of whom I have been friends with since the 7th grade! I am so thankful to be able to go across the country to see her at least once a year and spend some time in such a beautiful place!

7. I will officially welcome my lovely little, 'Geneva' into Zeta Phi Eta next weekend, bringing her into the Travel Tree!

8. I am acting in a friend's film project this weekend! While acting has never been my number one talent, I miss doing it in high school and I'm excited to help out with their shoot!

9. I have had 2 amazing internships, one in person and one virtual, and I have learned so much from both of them, more than I ever could learn in a classroom, even with all the opportunities Hofstra offers.

10. Finally, I have the honor to be on the Digital Team for the Women in the World Summit this weekend! One of my former editors from The Daily Beast e-mailed me over spring break and asked me to be a part of the team, to which I quickly said yes! I am so honored to be able to watch so many amazing women speak and have the opportunity to work on this summit! I am also super excited to be reunited with Kelsey, my best friend/co-intern when I was at Newsweek/The Daily Beast!

There are a million things I could list that I am excited or grateful for, but these are just a few of the amazing things happening in my life right now! I can't wait to post about the summit and later my show, so stay tuned!

What's In My Bag? School Edition

I've seen quite a few "What's In My Bag?" posts over the last few days (specifically these from The Chelsea Way and College Prepster), so I was inspired to post my own! Today is the School Edition, aka what I always, always, always have in my bag before I leave my dorm room.

Lilly Pulitzer Large Agenda//Kate Spade Tote (similar)//Target Notebook//Earbuds with case//Juicy Phone Case//Sunglasses//Wristlet//Laptop

I bought my first Lilly agenda last summer and I LOVE it. I chose the Large Agenda in Lucky Charm and it has been perfect. I like being able to write down everything I need to do for class, all my reading, and important dates! Plus it's the most adorable agenda you could possibly buy, and it'll never got lost in the bottom of the bag.

This Kate Spade Sophie Tote (scored at an outlet for $50!) is my favorite bag right now- it's super light so I can fill it until it overflows (which is pretty hard) and it's still manageable to carry around all day. Right now I'm coveting these two Beau bags (ugh, if only.) 

I never leave my room without my phone, and I certainly never leave without headphones! If I'm walking around campus by myself all day I have to listen to music. I just got a pair that comes with a bright chevron case that keeps them from getting tangled in my backpack.

I always have sunglasses with me, even if it's not sunny when I leave- you never know! 

This little Steve Madden wristlet (which I also have in purple) holds my phone, keys, and ID card. I can't get into my room without either of these, and this little wristlet makes it easy to run to dinner or the gym without bringing a purse.

My new love/obsession/favorite item ever is my MacBook Air. I never carried my laptop to class because it was inconvenient, but my Air now comes with me everywhere. While I still love handwritten things, and I always carry a notebook with me to jot down notes, to-do lists, or blog ideas, it is beyond convenient to have all of my class notes and textbooks in a few apps on my computer. 

These are just a few of the things I carry with me everyday- my bag is always full, especially lately when I find myself heading out the door at 9 or 10 and not returning for 12 or more hours. You never know what you're going to need!

What do you always carry in your bag, either to class or just everyday? 

Fall Internship

Finally! After searching for months (I started applying in June), I scored a Fall Internship! Today, I received an e-mail from College Tourist, an online student blogging website about studying abroad and college life. I had been waiting to hear back for a few weeks, and today I got the good news!

I will be a part of the Fall 2013 Team, writing articles for the website and further honing my journalism skills. One of the biggest perks is that it's a virtual internship, meaning I will be writing and reporting from my dorm room! The age of technology has even changed how internships work.

I'm so happy to finally have an internship for this semester! More updates to come on my internship once school starts in a week!

My Last Daily Beast Article

I've been home for almost a month now, but I still have one more article that I've been working on for The Daily Beast. I wrote about the battle between printed textbooks and e-books, which as a college student is a pretty big deal. I had never considered writing an article with a business perspective, but here you go!

Also, my article is on the homepage of The Daily Beast!!!

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/08/06/print-textbooks-still-dominate-campus-textbook-market.html

The Hunt

It's the first day of August, and I have a little over four weeks until I move back to New York to start my second year at Hofstra. With the new semester comes the search for a new internship, but unfortunately finding one isn't as easy as it was the first time.

My summer internship at Newsweek was the only internship I applied for. I've now applied to a few for the fall, and haven't heard back from any of them. This isn't unheard of- most people are rejected by dozens of potential employers. I have friends who are entering their junior year who still haven't had an internship.
However, I still really want an internship for the fall. I arranged my schedule to have class only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, leaving Monday, Wednesday, and Friday open to intern full-time. Even if I don't get an internship I'll have those days completely free to do homework, study, and possibly work, but I'd prefer an internship. 

I've applied to the French Institute: Alliance Français, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and NBC. I've already been rejected by NBC (or rather, they decided not to "pursue" my application at the time, which only means I'll keep applying!), and haven't heard back from FIAF or CPJ. 

I'm one of those people who will bombard your inbox with e-mails until I get a response, even if the answer is "no." I'm less worried about rejection and more worried that I've been relegated to the spam folder or my response simply hasn't gone through. 

So, I'll keep applying and keep e-mailing until I've exhausted my resources. Time to keep hunting!

My Article!!

I've posted a few articles here before, but I'm finally able to post the one I am most proud of. I've been working on this article for a long time, and it finally ran on The Daily Beast!! I meant to post it yesterday when it came out, but I'm home for the summer and it's been crazy busy (I'm finished with my internship, and you can expect a post about that soon!).

As a (female) college student, safety is extremely important, especially off-campus. After an off-campus shooting happened near my school, I decided someone needed to take a closer look at off-campus safety. And that someone was me.

Please take a look (and by look I mean read it!), this is a really important topic for me and I'm quite proud of this story.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/witw/articles/2013/07/13/can-students-stay-safe-off-campus.html