Class of 2013: Freshman Blog

Oh hello there! I’m currently writing from my actual real live home. I feel like Dorothy with her Toto and all wrapped up with a little Kansas loving. I’ve been away in D.C. for most of the summer getting my intern on, so since coming home I’ve been sitting in either a beach chair or lounging on my sofa.

And here I am at home, spending my wholesome Sunday evening the all American way — with muh teevee. I got through most of my usual TV lineup – “Sixty Minutes” (while muting the insufferable Andy Rooney part); some “Law and Order” episode that my dad figured out waaaaay before I did; and finally I got to the coup de grace: “Mad Men.”

Now nothing gets between me and my television. Or so I thought! You see, despite criticism and absolute disdain- I have stood by the often distasteful “Real Housewives” franchise, sat through entire marathons of “I love New York” on VH1, I even bought into that whole “I Didn’t Know I was Pregnant” nonsense for a few episodes. So in a quick summary: I LOVE TRASH TV. Lack of propriety? Questionable morals? You know I’m watching. I am more loyal than a politician’s wife during a sex scandal (cough Jim McGreevey).

But along came “Mad Men.” I know the Emmy award winning show isn’t exactly on par with “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” but this evening, when I started watching a perennial favorite …. I just couldn’t do it. WHY? That’s what I was asking myself! I mean, come on, we have some Don Draper, we have some fabulous get-ups, we have POCKET SQUARES. But I just couldn’t do it. Every time I heard Betty get dismissed, or Peggy get shot down, or Joan skeeved on – I started to get upset. Because all of this nonsense really did happen, be it to my mother or her mother or even her mother.

This summer I interned at a renowned feminist organization, and it really changed things for me. I’d always identified as a feminist, but I became like exponentially more dedicated through this experience. It’s been one of those experiences, where I hadn’t realized that I had changed until I was placed back in my old surroundings.

I remember the exact moment where I decided that the ongoing feminist movement was something I was going to commit to. I was sitting in a lunch with Ellen Malcolm, who founded EMILY’s List (where I interned). As everyone was doing introductions, she suddenly cut one girl off and made her stop. The girl who she had interrupted obviously looked petrified and I am pretty sure I made a Scooby Doo inspired “HUHHHHHHH?” noise.

Ms. Malcolm then said something I will never forget: “Say your full name. Women so often just say their first name- like they shouldn’t be taken seriously. Say your full name.”

Oh man was I intimidated! I was all: “I always say my full name. I’m a baller.” Then I started giving it some thought…. I thought about all the times I introduced myself in that annoyingly high tone, “I’m TY-LER.” Oh, yuck.

And sometime between that point and right now, I’ve changed. And believe me, Imma jump aboard that Obama train like the groupie I am. So of course, I’m excited/nervous to see how my new, ULTRA PC personality meshes back at Hopkins. But I’m going to stand by that. Because I can.

YOURS FOREVER AND ALWAYS LOVES OF MY LIFE THE REASONS THAT I BREATHE,

Tyler D.

(I know that it would have been more dramatic if I had signed with my full name … but I don’t think I’m supposed to use it here. IRONY!).

Okay, so this is going to be sort of a targeted post. You know those rules in “Never Have I Ever” where you’re not allowed to hone in on just one person’s embarrassing moments? Yeah, well throw that out the window because this one’s for you, incoming freshman. I’m giving advice here, and I would advise you adhere to it.

As your orientation nears, expect to start playing the “get to know you games.” You’ve played them at camp; you’ve seen them in the movies, and they’re coming right to the Keyser Quad near you. The Orientation staff LOVES the “get to know you” classic: “Two Truths and A Lie.” So get ready because they’re going to happen, whether you’re ready or not.

Personally, I ALWAYS have trouble coming up with my “truths.” I can never think of anything interesting enough to share that isn’t mortifying (I couldn’t ride a bike until I was ten?!?!). Therefore, I resort to a terrible strategy/ habit: using all lies. This tactic had fared well up until the that scorching summer of ’09 when I arrived on the hot boundary of AMR II Griffin House. There, I met my RA Austin. He seemed friendly enough. Or did he? It was the gleam in his eye that led me to concoct that we would soon be playing a so-called “ice breaker” game…. okay sorry, I just got a little too into the Phillip Marlowe there ( I need to simmer down).

Anyway, with my RA Austin and my AMR “housemates” I did my first round of get to know you’s on my first night of college. Of course, I panicked on the spot. What were my “truths” that night? Let’s see…

[Scene I: A tan, sweaty Tyler in a meeting with approx. 40 other excited freshmen. Tyler tries to position herself near the room's only fan  but still sit far enough away from her crazy roommate. She's zoning out about the Cold Stone she saw on her way to campus. Suddenly, all eyes are on her. Wait?! When did it become her turn? Quickly, she comes up with her three things.]

1. “I used to live in Canada.”  [Ding! Ding! That's a lie, Ms. Tyler. You spent a summer in Maine, yes, and it was relatively close to the Canadian border, sure. But that does not a Canadian make!] Lie #1
2. “I’m a vegetarian.” [Okay, sure. You're a vegetarian if Big Macs are made out of leafy greens and crab cakes are actually just chick peas in disguise. I don't have the self-discipline to be a vegetarian.] Lie #2
3. “I’m Ted Kennedy’s Niece.” [WHAT? The late Ted Kennedy?!? The humanitarian, brother of the beloved JFK  Kennedy? Oh no you didn't Tyler. Your Roman Catholic grandmother is going to stop saying prayers for you and leave your soul in Purgatory!"] Lie #3

And then I don’t know what happened. An alien must have come down from the heavens and forced me to shake my head first when the crowd guessed that my lie was the thing about being a vegetarian. Then I really dug my hole when I shook my head to the Canada question.

All of a sudden, despite a genealogy that stops back in  New Jersey, I became apart of the Camelot lineage! Oh, snap!

I spent the rest of that first night awkwardly nodding when people talked about my beloved uncle; his death; his legacy. I must have looked embarrassed and chagrined when they approached me with questions about him. Instead, I was too mentally embarrassed of my childish actions. What eighteen-year old does that?

Lying about things is okay at camp, when Lars the cute Swedish counselor gets back on the plane back to Stockholm, and he never needs to know that you aren’t actually going to pay for his plane ticket back to the states next December. I’m not going to pretend to regret those kind of lies (Lars was really cute).

However, I did regret my silly “icebreaker” lie that required me to slowly come clean to my classmates during orientation week. I would quietly do it; explain that it had been a joke. Oh, what a reputation I was making… not just a liar- but an unfunny liar!

Now this story is just a laughing point among friends. But at the time, I pictured myself transferring to the University of Alaska and pulling a Joan Rivers to disguise my face.

And while I only went on to embarrass myself in infinite ways throughout freshman year, oh how I wish that I had never made that silly lie!

Moral of this post: Be yourself. I don’t care how many self-help books you have read this mantra in, believe me now. Because no one wants to be the late Ted Kennedy’s fake niece this orientation. Save yourselves! And if you’re going to pick a politician to fake be related to …. a least pick a Congressperson (they’re only famous if they’re cray cray).

And for the inevitable “Two Truths and a Lie”  game – just admit that you rode in a stroller until you were seven. It could be worse. You could be me.

Me standing outside of the Senate Building.... where my "uncle" Ted Kennedy would have worked if we were actually related.

I’ve known that I was going to spend the Fourth of July in DC for awhile now. My first concern was always my wardrobe choice. I shopped around from a pie-like dress at Anthropologie, to a classic Americana light denim costume (not to be confused with the Canadian Tuxedo). Ultimately, my work plans got in the way, and I ended up with a sale rack shirt shorts from K-Mart (let it also be known that it was approx. 102 degrees in DC that day).

So I set out on the Fourth to have a quintessential American holiday — and boy did I get it. I started the day armed with my “Obama Family” souvenir tote that was originally way overpriced but since the vendor had a “ladies” price, it only ended up being mildly overpriced (I know, I know, but I’m a destitute intern!). My friend Kara and I went to the annual fourth of July parade and I got misty quite a few times with all the bagpipes and Iowa Jima reenactors. We shoved and pushed ourselves to the front (THE AMERICAN WAY) and I sweated obscenely (BODY ODOR = PATRIOTIC). The whole event was very wholesome and I even found my “too cool for school” self singing along to “Proud to Be an American” after the fortieth time it was played.

I was committed to this whole tourist thing, so just because I was having heat stroke, I was not going indoors for any reason. So we were off again by foot towards the National Mall to set up shop for fireworks later in the evening. Photo-ops were strategically planned (the Capitol Building, the White House, the Washington Monument). Okay, so I already changed my mind. I NEEDED air-conditioning. Where to turn on a federal holiday? Pete’s Diner. Right near the Capitol, the less than posh diner serves oatmeal from Quaker’s instant packages, Ketchup in disposable packets, and paper table clothes. And I couldn’t have been happier at Le Bec Fin.

The diner was owned by a group of Chinese women who were completely decked out in their red, white, and blue, and as the restaurant was shutting down, couldn’t stop singing along to Rick James on the radio. They were honestly enjoying their holiday to the max, and at that moment they just represented everything America is about: hard work, smiles ,and the pursuit of happiness with a little “Super Freak” thrown in.

I was genuinely sad to have to leave, but I certainly appreciated how much they deserved a break.

But since I was being kicked out of my air-conditioned haven, it was time to go see Reba. Oh, you know. Reba McEntire. And Gladys Knight (no Pips, though). Every year, there’s a free concert on the National Mall where you can later see the fireworks. It is broadcasted on TV, but keep in mind it’s PBS. This set was great — the crowd was a wild bunch of young children and their parents. But they still knew how to bust a move. And they were all dozing off by the time the fireworks were going off (right next to the Washington Monument). Worked for me!

So as the night ended and I started the long exodus home to Georgetown, I couldn’t stop humming “Proud to be an American.” I know that you’re rolling your eyes at me right now (rightfully so). But let me have my moment — I grew up in New Jersey where the fourth of July is spent watching police run up and down the beach after the hooligans who set off illegal fireworks. This was just what I always knew the fourth of July could be (and I even got a piece of pie later that night at my apartment).

At my internship, I read SO much news everyday that it can get disillusioning. Politicians have to make concessions. Politicians get money from special interests. Politicians make selfish decisions.

But my little day of Americana was just the medicine I needed. For just that day, I lived in an episode of the “West Wing” and President Bartlet was there to walk to Congress and explain to pedestrians on the way that everything is going to be okay….

More to come!

Preview: Tyler goes to the Senate…

So I’m fortunate enough to be able to intern this summer in DC. It has been a nice break from the Jersey Shore, where my “celebrity sightings” were pretty much limited to “Snookie” look alikes and Regis Philbin. But let me tell you, the fangirl in me still comes out just fine when I see Sen Lieberman or Rep Weiner roaming the hot, hot DC streets. Anywho, I’m working at a political action committee for the next few months and there are some kind of  rules where I’m not allowed to blog about my job (it sounds more hardcore than it really is). What I can tell you: I promise I’m not interning at the CIA. The major tenets of my organization are: we work to elect Democratic, pro-choice women and when I’m at work they use a lot of acronyms that I don’t understand.

I love the whole “intern” culture and plan to elaborate further on political activism at Hopkins. But for now, I am dutifully inspired by my internship’s mission to elect more women to serve as our representatives. Back at Homewood, there are definitely some very impressive female faculty and administrators (past and present). I just wanted to take this opportunity to highlight these lovely ladies and show my gratitude for the strong example they set for female undergraduates.

1. First up is the new dean of the Kreiger School of Arts & Sciences. Katherine S. Newman. She’s hardly impressive or anything, with her career spanning from Harvard to Princeton to Columbia. Yeah, nbd. Dean Newman will be making her first appearance on campus this fall all the while writing a book.

“Newman, who has written or co-authored nine books and has two more in progress, has focused much of her scholarly work on the lives of the working poor and mobility up and down the economic ladder. She also has investigated the impact of tax policy on the poor, the history of public opinion’s impact on poverty policy, school violence, and the impact of globalization on young people in Italy, Spain, Japan and South Africa, among other issues.”

I am like super psyched to meet this rad lady. President Daniels is getting some real competition as the object of my obsession.

2. Blast from the past! Rachel Carson. She’s just like the face of the modern environmental movement. All of her accomplishments= impressive. Everything she did while considering when she did them = AMAHUZIN!

“In September 1962, a book was published that would have a profound impact on conservation policy and the public’s attitude toward the environment. The book was Silent Spring and its author was Rachel Carson…Carson earned a master’s degree in marine biology from Hopkins in 1932, under R.P. Cowles. Prevented from pursuing her doctorate because of financial difficulties, she paired her interest in marine biology with her writing talent to get a job with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, producing brochures and pamphlets, and also pursued an independent writing career.”

Thank goodness financial aid has gotten its act together!

3. Paula Burger. Unfortunately, this big deal is retiring. But this is someone I actually met! Dean Burger kept Hopkins together last year when there was controversy about the campus having Tucker Twat (yeah, I went there)  as a speaker; Burger hosted a pretty classy High Table dinner a la Cambridge for freshman in the FFC; and I even remember the first time I heard her speak during orientation. All I could think was, “Dang! That woman can rock a pant suit!”

“Dean Burger’s contributions to the student experience at Johns Hopkins are all around us, every day. She was the primary force behind the creation of Charles Commons as more than just another residence hall. She was intimately involved in the programming and design of Mason Hall. She and her staff have engineered important improvements in academic, pre-professional and career advising; athletic, recreational and artistic opportunities for students; campus dining, multicultural student support, and a broad range of academic and student services. Paula has supported — and in many cases, conceived — programs and events that have better connected our students with the university, the community and each other.”

Fierce, Paula, fierce!

4.Gwen Boyd. First of all, she has connections to Obama, so right off the bat I like her. She works at Hopkins’s Applied Physics Lab (what they do there, I don’t really know) and she also heads the Johns Hopkins Institutions’ Diversity Leadership Council.

“A prominent advocate for women’s equality and for the recruitment of African-Americans into science and engineering, she has received the 1996 Black Engineer of the Year Public Service Award, congressional citations and recognition by U.S. Black Engineer magazine as one of the nation’s ‘Most Distinguished Black College and University Graduates.’”

And.. Barack Obama chose Gwen to be on the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship, “established in 1986 to honor the former U.S. senator and 1964 presidential candidate, awards scholarships to high-achieving college students seeking careers in science, engineering and mathematics.”

5. You. I hate to be all bootleg and steal Time magazine’s cover from a few years ago. But if I’ve learned anything this summer, is that there is so much more ground for females to cover. Only 18% of legislators worldwide are women! And the U.S. is a lot further down on that list than you would like to believe. The aforementioned women have made it better, but it is still not good enough. Work it girls, work it!

I hope this post was informative and makes you appreciate the powerful women we see everyday just a  little bit more. And don’t worry, next post will be all about my intern gaffes and the embarrassing things I have been doing in DC. LOLZ

Hamming it up!

Writing a reflection of my freshman year is a little reminiscent of signing my bffs’ 8th grade yearbooks. You’ve got to include some inside jokes (marry me bill), your hangouts (uni-mini), crushes (TA GUPTA), and tons of nonsensical abbreviations that you will never understand in the future (slash by August).  So think of this post as an entry in Johnny Hopkin’s yearbook for 2009-2010. “Have a good summer, Johnny! We have to hang out! Call me xxx-xxx-xxxx”

1. First entry;ahhh. Everything seemed so new, and I had such fugly hair! I’m sure all my loyal readers remember the first day they were introduced to me (9/27/2010 <3). I talk about classes, dorm choice, on campus jobs, and just how important my social life is.

Ode to The Futon

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2.  Oh, good thing I got a job early. This post is all about how I started spending my money like crazy. Concerts! Restaurants! FYI, you can still return your books to Barnes & Noble like halfway through the semester ( I kid, Daddy).

Bawlmore

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3. A Baltimore MUST: Halloween in Fell’s Point! You will never feel more normal in your entire life.

Just So you Know…. I’m a Celebrity

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4. The purpose of this blog is to show how I am actually more beautiful than Giselle Bundchen.  I expose her for who she really is; the poor man’s version of me!

You Better Work, Covergirl

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5. This blog touches on how great the Hopkins community is. Peabody Conservatory is an awesome cultural outlet for regular old, non-musically inclined students like myself.

All Computers Go to Heaven

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6. Sorry big man on campus Voldermort, but Hopkins is better than Hogwarts. Before you aveda karena me, please check out the post.

Hopwarts

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7. Did I survive my first finals week? Find out next season… (oh, snap! the show was canceled! I guess you’ll get your answer at the link below).

The Real World: Finals Week

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8. But really, Baltimore is a great place to get out of the privileged bubble. If you simply live Charles Village for a hot minute, you will be astounded by all the opportunities there are to get involved in the community.Oh, and Catholic guilt can really be a downer.

Turning Guilt into Something More Productive

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9. So, I wrote all about Model United Nations at Hopkins before I really knew what it was. Now that I’ve actually attended the conference, I double my endorsement!

JHU Model UN

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10. There is a picture of Josh Hartnett in this blog. Are you really not going to click? I dare you.

This is Tyler D. and I approve this Message

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11. My 19th birthday came and went. Mother Nature was in charge of the decorations. And boy did she deliver with SNOW WEEK.

Over the Hill

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12. This is one of my only academic posts. It talks about a course I took that really challenged my belief systems. Yeah, “Intervariable Calculus” can really do that to you. Just kidding! I can’t even figure out the tip on restaurant bills!

Unconventional Learning

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13. Woo! Florida for spring break! Oh wait, I’m staying on my grandma’s lumpy couch, and I just accidentally flashed her entire retirement community. Tyler’s Gone Wild!

Living the Wild Geriatric Lifestyle

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14. Cribs!

Hopkins Cribs AMR II Griffin House Room 166

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15. Alumni weekend is the best time of the year! Minor celebrities! Football Lacrosse games! Handsome seniors (I’m talking 65 and up).

Alumni?

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16. Oh, the advantages of being so close to Washington DC. Actually, there is only one that really matters: Michelle Obama.

You’re Heating Up. John Legend

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17. The set-list for your local “oldies” channel in 2050.

Hitting A Freshman High Note

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18. Please Karl Lagerfeld, forgive me my fashion faux pas’s!

Freshman Look Book

There you have it, kids. I’ve written about everything you need to know about Hopkins social life, campus, and Baltimore. I simply forgot to mention, you know, academics. Oh well! I am too fabulous to study!

Summer!

Things that make me cry: ASPCA commercials with Sarah McLachlan crooning in the background, awkward maid of honor speeches at weddings, and FASHION FAUX PAS’s.  It is well known that my craziness is oft-reflected through my wardrobe, however, there are a few staples that every college freshman needs/unfortunately insists on wearing.  In the name of Anna Wintour, I hope all you incoming freshman can learn from my mistakes and make the fashion scene at JHU a much more visually pleasing place.

1. The “Overdressed” Look

Yeah, it is bound to happen. With the first few weeks of school come college parties.  Beforehand, as you are getting dressed, put down that pretty silk blouse you purchased on sale at Anthropologie. Baltimore in the summer is hot, parties are crowded, and it is not worth sacrificing your wardrobe’s best to a clumsy party-goers rogue soda.

2. The “Eau de Sweatpants” Look

Personally, I have been waging a vendetta against the sweatpant for the past year (excluding, of course Alexander Wang’s Fall 2010 Collection. But I’m not going to pretend that I didn’t wear sweatpants to the cafeteria, to late night Uni Mini runs, and even to class (never in front of my cute Econ TA, however!). Anyway, try to control yourself, please. I understand the occasional sweatpant, but elastic is not your friend (especially around the dessert table in the FFC).

3. The “Macbook” Look

Our generation’s grandchildren are going to think we were all a bunch of weirdly augmented super-freaks (and not in the good Rick James way) when they see all of the Mac “Photo Booth” pictures we all take. Every single college freshman on the planet has a picture of them with their face all wonked out. Guaranteed. I”m talking to you, students at “University of Somalia.” Please, just stop the cycle!

4. The “Nerd Bird” Look

Face it, you are a freshman. You are bound to have that moment where security guards chase you down in the library, you make enemies with the workers at Uni Mini, and you make a total goon of yourself in front of a professor (um, none of these things have happened to me haha). The campus forgives you and understands your plight.  The plight of the freshman is comparable to lots of biblical references that I can’t think of right now. So, submit your stories to “Texts From Last Night” and cleanse yourself. You will one day be a cool, stately sophomore like myself. I’m sure you can’t wait!

5. The “Baltimore Just Went Through A Record Breaking Snow Storm, Where the Heck are my Gloves?!” Look

I am convinced that after the wild snow storm of 2010, I will never get another snow day for the rest of my life. But props to you, El Nino, you really got ‘er done. I’m pretty sure the last remnants of snow just melted off of the MSE library in May. Anywho, try to prepare your wardrobe for winter weatha. I assumed since I was moving south, that the weather would automatically be warmer. Um, no.

6. The “Alter Ego” Look

There are no words to describe my love of Michelle Obama. I scour the racks at J. Crew trying to find a perfect sweater set a la my idol. Michelle Obama out-fabulousizes the Elton John in me and out smarts the Doogie Howser one-liners I have memorized by heart. Anystalker, find someone you emulate and let them inspire you-that’s what college is all about! And looking fierce.

7.The “Action Shot Let’s Pretend I’m Athletic” Look

My fifth grade soccer coach knew that I wasn’t athletic.  My parents (after years of buying lots of sports equipment) now know that I am not athletic. However, the whole JHU campus has not become privy to my secret yet.  So, I’ll continue to walk around in shorts when I haven’t been to the gym, hold a water bottle that hasn’t been touched, and work up a little sweat (living on the third floor this year was rough).  This is all part of my athletic illusion. For you actual athletes out there, DEAL WITH IT.  You were not traumatized as I was by dodge balls in gym class.

8. The “My Legs are so Pale from the Winter” Look

Remember, when packing for spring, the CROPPED PANT/CAPRI.  The transition from snowpants to shorts is never good. Pasty legs are not conducive to spring flings.  Take your time and discreetly bronze your legs post-winter thaw. Otherwise, you run the rise of blinding poor bystanders on campus with your “P.Diddy White Party”-esqu leg color.

9. The “I’mma Pretend My Life is Like ‘Animal House’ and Wear a Toga” Look

What do your parents spend $50,000 a year for? So you can learn how to make a toga! It is a marketable skill, fo’ sure. Actually, it is the only skill on my resume (is that bad?).  Ovid said: “Learn the art of the toga, and you will go far.” Live these words, freshman.  Live these words.

10. The “Finals Just Ended and Now I have to Pack all My Stuff?” Look

So when I woke up move out date to 10 missed calls from my father, things were a little rough. My lovely daddy then preceded to yell my name throughout the courtyard of AMR II, impelling me to wake up. Needless to say, my outfit was not up to par. However, my RA insisted upon a photo.  So, prepare yourselves. Pictures will be taken at all moments, no matter how inopportune. As evidenced by the photo below, I am always “voguing” it.

*All Photo Credits to Mario Testino

My first week at home has been full of extravagances. I have indulged in all things I hold dear to my heart: the Real Housewives franchise, Wawa’s Hoagiefest, and Dear Abby archives. Now that I have made it through the detox of all knowledge that I had to learn during finals, my brain is decidedly mush.  Just the way I like it.  I feel like I now have enough perspective to reflect on what was my freshman year.

Heaven knows that I am too shallow to have deep reflections.  Therefore, I decided to go through all the music that has made up a soundtrack to this year (yes, even the embarrassing dollar sign girl), to show just what kind of a year I had. I’ll try not to be too hipster, but I’m not making any promises.

1. Sleepyhead, by Passion Pit. Okay, so this was number one on my iTunes most played. I’m not really sure what that means, but I’ll go with it.  I first heard this song at the Rec Center in January when I was keeping true to New Years resolutions and attending spinning classes.  Later in the spring semester and long after my workout regimen took a little hiatus , I listened to this song while in D.C. at a climate rally where John Legend, Sting, and the Roots also played.  So, H-O-L-L-A exercise and political activism!

2. Dancing in the Moonlight, by King Harvest. This is my all time favorite, hands down.  I have danced to this song in my dorm, on the freshman quad, in Char Mar, down N. Charles street, and I’m sure quite a few other places on campus.  I dare you not to dance to this smooth classic.  This song reminds me of summer, fun, and just how awesome it is not to have a curfew.

3. Party in the U.S.A., by Miley Cyrus. Do I really have to explain?  I know you are all judging me hardcore, but think back to last September, when we didn’t care about Miley and her stripper pole and we weren’t all jealous about her Aussie boyfriend.  This song welcomed me to Hopkins, served as a nice little upper during intense study seshes, and was with me as I got past the whole, “I’m sorry, I’m a freshman.  It’s so embarrassingggggg!” phase.

4. Slide, by the Goo Goo Dolls. This one is courtesy of Pandora, the internet radio site.  I’m not gonna lie, I would probably ditch school to compete with the middle aged groupies of the Goo Goo Dolls.  You gotta do what you gotta do, and this is my jam when I embracing my nineties heritage as middle class white girl.

5. Let’s Stay Together, by Al Green. That’s right, now we’re getting sultry.  This baby will break through anybody’s hard exterior and make them mush.  Honestly, I hardly listen to the words- just Al Green’s voice. One day President Daniels and I will share a slow dance to this song and mull over our love.

6. Wonderwall, by Oasis. There are few other songs that will get everyone singing along like this puppy.  Bring out your token friend with a guitar, and pretend it’s Berkeley in 1969.  That’s right- do the sing a long!

7. Any song on any of the millions of records, by Dave Matthews Band. Davvvvvvvvvvveeeeeee! I have a love hate relationship with this man.  The hate comes from my lifelong hate of DMB and the cult like frat-broeyness that it represents.  The like comes from me actually listening and secretly liking.This is a big guilty pleasure, but Davvvvvveee really is the perfect compliment to the chill, hanging out with friends mood college can evoke.

8. Don’t be Shy, by Shwayze. To me, this song evokes summertime.  So during our snow week around my birthday, when everyone was getting on each other’s nerves in such close quarters, I would put this on just to remember when the ground was not covered with foot upon foot of snow and cars could actually drive down N. Charles Street.  Also, it has a good message: life it too short to be shy.

9. I’m a Lady, by Santogold. I am a Santogold lush, let’s be real here.  Anyway, at a few points this year, when I was sloppily eating in the FFC or wearing sweatpants (my antichrist), I needed a little reminder that in fact, I am a lady.

10. Home, by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. This is the hipster pinnacle of my musical tastes. But the song is really about how your home can be anywhere.  Hopkins has come to be my home this past year and that is because of the great friends I have made here. I am so excited and grateful that I have three more years in Charles Village, and hopefully I will be allowed back despite my outrageous hipster tendencies.

Honorable Mention: “The Best” by Tina Turner (a given), Radiohead (who doesn’t have a phase?), ke$ha (that fool was everywhere), and State Radio (just because they played at Spring Fair).

HAVE  A GREAT SUMMER!

TyTy

P.S. I’m sorry I didn’t fall into real college alternative rock yet. I’ll save my Fiona Apple for another day!

Action Shot!

Global warming.  Wow, it is rough.  The poor polar bears; the hot, hot, hot weather.  I can’t even handle the thought of bathing suit season year round! So I’m all about stopping this nonsense.  ASAP!

This past Sunday, I attended a Climate Rally in DC to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.  But let me make this clear, this was not your hippie 7th grade Science teacher’s climate rally.  No,  this was a pretty sultry climate rally.  It was graced with the artistic performances of Sting, Passion Pit, the Roots, and JOHN LEGEND. Yeah, just some no-namers.

James Cameron brought along some AVATARz

Basically, it was the easiest social activism I have ever participated in. The day had a lot of information speakers, who were trying to impel the audience to contact their representatives about Obama’s Climate Change Bill.  There were speakers: union leaders, film directors (James Cameron), and even EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson (who I conveniently saw speak on JHU’s campus earlier in the semester!).  Famous athletes: Dhani James & Aaron Piersol (I’m told they are famous, at least).  And very famous musicians: um, STING?

The beautiful John

But still, it was great to be reminded how close Washington DC is to B-more.  A lot of students go to DC pretty frequently.  Personally, I have only gone twice this year.  I felt like freshman year it was important to get to know the intricacies of Baltimore and stay on campus as much as possible. I’m really happy with this decision, but I’m still excited to explore DC in my future.  Actually, I should say “near future.”

I’ll be staying in DC this summer for an internship at EMILYs List, a political action committee.  Jackie actually helped me get an interview.  She’s pretty amazing! I also got some help from the Career Center.  They helped me with my first cover letter, helped me make my resume a little less “high school,” and gave me a mock interview.

I’m going to be staying in the Georgetown area, in a shared house with Georgetown undergrads (found it on CraigsList, I know it’s sketchy..).  It was somewhat difficult to decide if I wanted to go home or not for the summer.  It seems like most rising sophomores go home for the summer (not all, though).  However, there are a lot of upperclassmen who stay in Baltimore for the summer.  There are tons of options to sublet on and off-campus housing, as well! In the end, I decided that an opportunity like EMILYs List in DC is too much to give up.  I’m going to miss my poppa  like crazy,  but I can’t stalk Michelle Obama if I am at home in New Jersey.

As this year is winding down, I am just so excited.  I can’t believe that I have three more years here! Three more Spring Fairs! Three more Earth Days! And think of all the different times I can change my major in three years!

So, I’ll report back soon.  And I’ll leave you with some pictures of my hometown, Ocean City, NJ.  It is a crazy tourist destination, but I’ll miss it this summer.  But then I think of the salty shoebees, and I feel a little better.

Smooches!

Tyler

A Jersey Shore Staple

So this past weekend was Homecoming. Because of lacrosse, Hopkins plans their year a little wonky and holds Homecoming in the spring. But hey! Who doesn’t like the spring? Everyone’s pasty winter legs start getting sunlight; spring romances pop up; flowers bloom. I know, I know.  You’re all thinking, ” Simmer down Snow White!”

Okay. So the real reason I am so chipper and talking about why I love spring so much starts with an “A” and ends with an “I.” And I’m not talking about no Artificial Intelligence. I am talking about ALUMNI! Oh, how I love them!

Alumni rock my socks off.  This just in: Michael Bloomberg Deified on JHU CAMPUS! Hopkins relies heavily on alumni for all kinds of support (monetary, jobs for current students, etc.).  So during events like Homecoming, the Hop puts out all the stops to get alumni to reminisce about the fun they had while on the Homewood campus.  Know what that equation means? A fabulous time for all.

Seeking: Alumni, No age Limit

The alums started arriving on Thursday. And I’m about to be honest.  I had a whole bunch of ideas about how these handsome, recently graduated alumns would whisk me away from cafeteria food and adorn me with gifts (preferably NOT from the campus bookstore, the only place I’ve been shopping lately).  I apologize MOM and Gloria Steinem for these un-feminist ideas- blame the spring air!

Well, let’s just say I was surprised when I saw the alumni on campus.  While I’m sure they were mighty good looking in their day (who isn’t on the Johns Hopkins campus?), many were a little out of my age range.  Yes, I have been told I am mature for my years.  But I don’t think I could pull off a forty year age difference.

So after pouting for a little over a veggie burger at the Alumni BBQ, I decided to plop myself down in the stands at the Lacrosse game and partake in my favorite sport: people watching.

I watched battles to be the loudest cheerers, President Daniels get manhandled by a group of seemingly innocent sorority sisters, Kevin Kilner (Hopkins alumni) from the critically acclaimed Disney Channel original movie “Smart House,” walk by my seat, and a little lacrosse.  All in all, very exciting and the lacrosse team was MAHVELOUS.

The Hopkins alumni is the dad… yeah you know it!

So the alumni, while not fulfilling my romantic love interests, ended up being a pretty fun time.  As current students, we owe so much to their generosity.  It is really bizarre to think that in a few short years, I am going to be one of them (just don’t expect any big check JHU, I require very extensive beauty treatments….).

Hope everyone else’s spring is going along swimmingly! Here are some more HOMECOMING pics!

Hey y’all. I swear I’m not demonic with my “66″ room number. Although, I guess you can decide for yourselves.

This year, I’m living in AMR II, a freshman dorm. I don’t want to sound preach-y, but I have really loved my time in room 166, and I believe that all freshmen should live in the AMRs (definitely not feasible!). Before coming to school, I was concerned about the lack of air-conditioning and lots of inconsequential details, but with a fan, the AMRs are definitely do-able.  And so much fun!

The sizes of AMR rooms vary, but mine is about 166 square feet. It is equipped with an armoire, additional set of drawers, a desk, a bed, desk chair, mirror, and towel rack. My roommate and I didn’t really move the furniture around, but I have seen some crazy-creative configurations. Also, lofting your bed can provide some serious storage space (let’s be serious, room for more shoes).

So, please, come take a look into my room. And don’t worry, I didn’t bother to clean up.

Ultimately, the purpose of freshman year is NOT to spend time in your dorm room. You should be out exploring Baltimore, trying new clubs & activities, stalking Michael Phelps, trying out the rock wall in the gym, giggling in the library instead of doing work, etc. So try not to stress too much about silly things like the amount of floor space & the amount of natural light. You will adapt, and believe me, usig the communal bathrooms of the AMRs WILL make you a stronger & better person.

Also, another great thing about dorm living is the RAs. But, really, don’t laugh. If you come to Hopkins not knowing anyone like me, it’s great to have an upper-classman be required to talk to you and make you feel comfortable. I’ve felt like my RA this year (Austin, as expressed through the board) has been really great about being available and approachable. RAs are required to host about three events per month, and they can be a great resource for asking embarrassing questions (like how to do laundry, haha).

Also, my other tip to incoming freshmen is : UNDERPACK. I promise, you will have access to all of the shopping you need at the Towson Mall (easily reachable by CollegeTown shuttle).  It is much easier to plan out your decorating scheme once you see the actual space you have to work with and you get a feel for your roommate’s aesthetic (or lack of).

Ultimately, just come in with an open mind. And check out my CRIBS post below. It will be the most entertaining thing you have ever seen in your entire life, I promise. I’m going for a million hits on Youtube, think it will happen? Eat my cyber dust Miley Cyrus and your tween minions.  And a special thanks to my roommate Jenny who kept me in check for the duration of this video.

Smooches!

Tyler