My name is Jordan Matelsky, and I’m an incoming neuroscience major. Or incoming computer science major. Or neuro-major/robotics-minor. We’ll find out soon. Regardless, as a Hopkins Ambassador to the internets-machine, I feel that it is my duty to pass on this following knowledge to you, dear reader; Hopkins is the place to be.
Sternocleidomastoidius. It's the muscle in your neck that is in charge of cramping up when you've been holding the phone with your chin for too long.
I began my official college searching with a visit to Johns Hopkins University. It was on a family trip during NJ Teachers’ Convention, and I was attempting to be a “super-savvy sophomore” (a term I learned from JHU Admissions that very day). Accompanied by both parents, two grandparents and my younger sister, we were taking our first steps onto campus as two students quickly walked past, gesticulating excitedly, their talk centering around those unmistakable ‘pre-med words’ that have more syllables in them than most people use in an average day. My grandfather, a dentist, looked at me and said, “Alright, decision made. This is where you’re going.”
The DaVinci surgical machine. If you're not impressed by my drawing, come check out the real deal on campus. Seriously.
It took me a little bit longer to be convinced. It took me about thirty seconds longer, in fact, because that was when we passed the beautiful ♥ daVinci surgical robot ♥. At the time, she struck me as the mechanical equivalent of some tremendous work of art — like the Venus de Milo, except with more arms instead of fewer. Like the Venus, she was displayed in her casual pose, in all of her magical, pre-med splendor behind an enormous glass wall of Hackerman Hall.
I'm not sure if he can ride a unicycle, but Hopkins-Interactive Alex K. can totally juggle like a boss.
Pardon the interruption, but here’s a quick non sequitur: Johns Hopkins is not a pre-med-only exclusive club. I happen to be a pre-med kind of guy, but most people I’ve met in my class so far are not pre-med. Let that be a lesson to you: You can do anything you like at Hopkins — including, I learned recently, join a circus. Totally serious, folks. At Johns Hopkins. (For a more comprehensive list of all the crazy stuff you could do at JHU, check out this page.) One of the most incredible things about this university is how extraordinarily diverse the interests of its wonderfully closely-knit community are. Already, I’ve met an art/music major, biology major, and a general-engineering major who are all fluent in computer programming languages. This parallels the computer-engineer, biomedical engineer, and architect who are all virtuosos on their corresponding musical instruments; or the robotics major, the writing-seminars major, and the art/music major who are trying out for intercollegiate sports.
Much like how neurons are specialized, brilliant individual cells in our body, the students, faculty and staff are specialized, brilliant individuals at Johns Hopkins. And, much like how a neuron branches out to contact thousands of other neurons — each specialized in their own right — the Johns Hopkins community allows incredible interconnectivity and mingling, so that each individual, with their own merits and strengths, can contribute to the communal mind of the university that — if the past is any indication of the future — can accomplish anything!
Hey Adriana! I’m so glad you got to really check out campus and see how awesome Hopkins is — I know that my campus visits really sealed the deal on my first-choice being JHU, and hopefully you experienced the same thing!
If you have any questions about anything you got to see on Saturday at the Open House, just ask, either here or on the forums! If I’m not smart enough to answer, I’ll find someone who is
Otherwise, be sure to come back to the blogosphere soon, and check out the forums, and I can’t wait to see you back on campus for more visits (and then, of COURSE, for school!)
Hi! I met you yesterday at the Open House and you told me to check out your blog, so here I am
Everything you had to say about your school was so positive, not to mention reassuring to an anxious Junior beginning her college search. Seeing how excited you are to begin tapping into the wealth of opportunity available to you at Hopkins made me excited too! You have certainly opened my eyes to a tight-knit and brilliant community, and I thank you for that. I will make sure to check back to your blog soon to learn more!
Natasa — I’m so glad your mind was made up as quickly as mine! The best advice I could possibly give? Attend Hopkins!
After that, I’d highly recommend emailing some professors whose work you like, talking some more on the forums and on blog posts, and really getting to know the people here (of course, the best way to do that is to visit!) Be part of the Hopkins community before you even arrive!
Remember, Admissions isn’t really looking for a formulaic student — they want to see that you’re an awesome person that can bring awesome stuff to the community. Luckily, the best way to impress Admissions is to go out and BE an awesome person, and DO awesome stuff! Once you’ve started your Johns-Hopkins-quality shenanigans, you’re on the right track. Thanks for commenting, can’t wait to see you around the blagoblogs again soon!
Very inspiring……..I’m just a junior in high school and I can ‘t imagine myself going anywhere. I knew I was going to Johns Hopkins the minute I first went on the website. Could some prospective students like me get some advice from people like you who were able to get in.
Thanks, look forward to reading more
I especially enjoy the facial expressions on these drawings. Great first blog!
Luckily I do unicycle!
loving the drawings; I hope they become a regular feature! great entry, and I’m excited to read more!
You are soooo incredibly awesome Jordan! My daughter, a high school sophomore, really can relate to you! She wants to be “super-saavy” too and is really hoping to come visit Hopkins soon!
Thank you for the great post!! My whole family can’t wait to read more!
LOVE your writing – the neurons part at the end was so well-written!
I love your drawings and your writing is incredible. I have never been able to express myself that well
Awesome first post (your Venus de Milo/Da Vinci Machine comparison is hilarious) and kudos on the drawings! Welcome to SAAB!
I have first hand experience of your love of the Davinci machine… I think the drawings are great. Great first post, man!
Love the drawings, Jordan! Perhaps Alex K. will be inspired to take up unicycling!
Love the Neuro talk, buddy. Keep up the great work!