Guest Blog on Winter Break

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It’s Winter Break at Hopkins, and it’s Winter Break for the Guest Blog too! Here’s a listing of all the wonderful entries we posted this semester, and check back at the end of January, when the Guest Blog returns with new entries.

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August 1, 2011 – Olivia Cusimano – Hopes, Fears, and Anecdotal Evidence as to Why My Family Believes I Will Die in College
“All of these people on the Facebook page aren’t just random people – they are my classmates, they will share these next four years with me. These people will be the ones who laugh at me when I turn all my laundry pink, who bust out the fire extinguisher when I light the toaster on fire, and who teach me whether or not I can shower during a thunderstorm.”

August 2, 2011– Kathleen Naymon – The Things We Carry
“The Class of 2015 is arriving with baggage—literally and figuratively.”

August 3, 2011 – Kevin Cryan – The Declaration of Kevin Cryan, Blue Jay
“When, in the course of a human life, it becomes necessary for a person to dissolve the ties that have, for approximately 18 years, connected them to their hometown, their house, many of their friends and essentially all they ever knew, they must declare their independence and state the actions they have taken in crafting their new home at the Johns Hopkins University.”

August 4, 2011 – Andrea Fields – When Andrea Met Hopkins
“Whoever said there was no such thing as love at first sight has obviously never been on a tour of Johns Hopkins University.”

August 5, 2011 – Lisa Ni – I am From
“ This is what will keep us connected, and make us a part of each other’s homes. I am from The Johns Hopkins University.”

August 6, 2011 – Maria Luisa Navarro – A Recipe from Home
“That’s why I learned how to cook, and why I’ve altered my palate to appreciate the sting of spicy food.  Sincerely, I’m scared of the things I won’t know when I get to college, and so I’ve learned to appreciate the things that I know now, and that make me who I am. I’m excited about meeting people with different backgrounds and perspectives, and so I’ve begun to value my own background.”

August 7, 2011 – Jacqueline Morea – Midway on Our Life’s Journey
“I will make the absolute most of what I’ve just been handed: a four-year golden ticket to whatever I chose. I’m not stuck in Limbo anymore. I know where I’m headed next.”

September 5, 2011– Thomas Smith – Building a Business at JHU
“This spirit, combined with resources like the ones we found at CLE and in the broader Hopkins and Baltimore communities, make this a great place for the budding entrepreneur, not just the budding physician or scientist.”

September 8, 2011 – Katherine Simeon – Reading All About It
“Campus publications give great insight to what is going on at the university, both academically and socially. They reveal the interests, values, and opinions of the students.”

September 12, 2011 – Neil Philip O’Donnell – How a BME Became Entralled with Business
“In fact, my blossoming interest in business has even helped me with my lab research. As a lab researcher in the biomaterials laboratory, I have been entrusted with creating a provisional patent to protect our innovative strategy for enhancing gene therapy.”

September 15, 2011– Saznin Mehta – It’s Always Sunny in South Africa
“I know I’ll make it back some day, but I’m determined to do so with a camera crew to record yet another amazing experience for my loyal viewers at home. Watch your back, Bourdain.”

September 19, 2011 – Ariel Meranus– Preparation for the Business World
“I had reservations about how a liberal arts major would prepare me for the business world, but I soon found out that Hopkins provides many opportunities for students to get business experience.”

September 22, 2011 – Brian Shell – What I Did Last Summer
“Each year, tons of Hopkins students head out to internships – whether they’re based in Baltimore or Botswana. I was fortunate enough to obtain an engineering intern position at AECOM in Laurel, Maryland.”

September 26, 2011 – Akshay Krishnaswamy  – A Few Pieces of Advice that have Served Me Well
“Wrapping up, I’d just reiterate one thing: allow yourself to be flexible.  College has turned out to be a pretty unpredictable experience so far (in good ways, mostly).  If I had been particularly attached to the detailed mental plan I had going into freshman year, I probably wouldn’t have experienced any of the things I mentioned in this post.”

September 29, 2011 – Greco Song – That 

“I think I had too much pride before I came to Hopkins, trying to learn it all by myself. I rode it for two seconds then I would fall to the ground. Again for another few seconds, and fall again. I didn’t allow anyone to hold my bike and help me, and I ended up with some scars here and there, and beat myself up for it. But I learned to let people come in and be part of my life and just observe – observe how they interact with others, how they keep their friendships, how they approach personal problems, and how they fight.”

October 3, 2011 – Ava Scheininger–CLE Experiences
“Adams explained that he too was an Economics major, but throughout his college career he had mastered the strange art of transforming nothing into something.”The Center for Leadership Education has provided me with many of the necessary skills to do just that.”

October 6, 2011 – Joe Nugent – Tales of a Resident Advisor
“Three years ago, if you asked me where I’d be living at the start of my junior year, I’d tell you that I’d be in an off-campus apartment with some of my best friends. Ever since I saw how big some of the off-campus apartments were I knew that was where I wanted to live.”

October 10, 2011– Laura Elsener – Senior Year?
“Though it may seem like the last three years have flown by, I’ve accomplished a lot, made some unforgettable friends, and learned valuable lessons both inside and outside the classroom.”

October 13, 2011– Noah Guiberson– Learn More, See More, SAAB’More
“In it, she and I (I am her cohost) seek out the best of Baltimore and bring it to you, the Hopkins prospective, in order to show you what it’s like to live in Charm City (branded as “The Greatest City In America”) and to study at Johns Hopkins (which, if you ask us, should be rebranded as “The Best University in the World”).”

October 17, 2011– Brett Schwartz – Where Did the Time Go?
“The things I have really enjoyed about Hopkins is the opportunities this school provides you.  I was ecstatic to hear that I could go abroad for the spring semester, and be involved with all of my organization and still have plenty of credits to graduate in four years. .”

October 20, 2011– Khurram Ali - Getting To Know Someone: The Perspective of a Johns Hopkins Ismaili
“I wish I could tell you all about my friends and the cool things that they do—but then I would never be able to stop writing. I will say this: one thing that all my closest friends here have in common is a strong desire to learn from others.”

October 24, 2011– Ariel Rosen – Giving Back to Baltimore
“You should definitely take advantage of all that Hopkins has to offer. The Center for Social Concern is loaded with incredible opportunities to give back to Baltimore, and it truly makes Hopkins a unique, one-of-a-kind university.”

October 27, 2011 – Richard Kumapley – The Blue Jay Take-Away: Showcasing  Music from Homewood
“My idea was to show off Hopkins students performing their own songs with the beautiful Homewood campus as the backdrop, kind of like our own version of Vincent Moon’s take-away shows. I wanted to find the most interesting places and stick a band in that space and have them do what they did best while the camera just tries to capture it all.”

October 31, 2011– Allie Fink – One Campus, Many Paths
“Having a twin sister is great, but what’s even better is being able to be two very different individuals while still being able to share the connection that is unique to twins.  Johns Hopkins has provided us both with a world of interests and opportunities that have taken us on very separate paths.”

November 3,  2011– Kimmy Hilson – The Cove is Anything but Common(s)!
“I know that I can speak for my suitemates when I say that living in McCoy has turned out to be a more exciting experience than we had anticipated. I am so happy to be living in McCoy, and I wouldn’t have wanted to spend my sophomore year anywhere else with anyone else.”

November 7, 2011- Jessie Koljonen- Still Living the Not-So-Real Life in Madrid
“I’m so glad I make the decision to study abroad. I feel like I’m so much more cultured, know so much more about Spain and the world, and have experienced new things and tried new food that I would never have thought that I would try.”

November 10, 2011– Andrea Fields – To Writing Sems or Not to Writing Sems
“ Even though I thought I knew myself better than anyone, I now realize there’s nothing wrong with not knowing exactly what I want to do with my year or my life.   College is for self-exploration and while getting to know myself better. I’ve met so many amazing friends and accomplished professors who manage to teach classes while still periodically publishing papers.”

November 14,  2011– Bridget Harkness – How to Fail A  Freshman Room Inspection: How an Only  Child Learned  to Love a Roommate
“There was a small coffee maker that I rarely used because it was noisy and she slept late. There was a red lamp beside her bed because the overhead light was bright and I went to bed early. On my nightstand I had black eye masks and neon green earplugs. There was a Dali painting of elephants above my bed – that always made people go sort of quiet and say “That’s really cool”.”

November 17, 2011- Corey Adams – Senior Year
“I know I have to figure it out and time is of the essence, but part of me wants to put this monumental decision off for a few more weeks (or months). As much as I want to figure out my life after graduation, enjoying my senior year is of the utmost importance to me.”

November 21, 2011– Liz Mauer – Heart of Homewood
“Within days of moving from home to Homewood I could no longer picture myself anywhere else, it felt like the only possible fit. Since I’ve been at Hopkins I have met some of the most diverse, interesting, and fabulous people than ever before who I am now lucky enough to see every single day.”

November 24,  2011– Alanna Olken – Saving my 21st
“It’s a rigorous school and throws you situations that are over your head once in a while. What is important is pushing through those moments, trying your best, and then forgetting them as soon as possible with great friends that you have made here. The support system you can create at Hopkins is invaluable, and what I’ve achieved here is a camaraderie that is rare and special.”

December 1, 2011 – Jake Golman -Hopping Around Baltimore: JHU Family Weekend
“During their two short days with me, we visited at least 9 different Baltimore neighborhoods!”

December 5, 2011- Leah Kim- Who Needs a Car Anyways?!?
“But as broke college students, these can add up and empty our wallets so let me reveal to you my list of “Top Five Cheap Ways to Get Off Campus”. This list has taken me 3 years of personal experience to compose but I think its time that I share my tricks with you.”

December 8, 2011- Julia Allen – What Are You Waiting For?: Toughing It Out on the Hopkins Wait-List
“In the end it was worth the wait and the extra work because I got a call from my college counselor in the middle of June saying that I had been offered a spot in the Johns Hopkins Class of 2015!”

December 12, 2011- Elaine Yu – Biophysics AND East Asian Studies … What?!
“Yeah, that’s right, I have two majors and I go to Johns Hopkins University.  No, I don’t live in the library.  Yes, I have time to sleep.  No, I was not the valedictorian of my high school.  And yes, I have a life.  Any more questions?”

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We hope you enjoyed the entries this semester – check back in late January for more entries from Hopkins students! In the meantime, check out our current student blogs here.

Guest Blog on Summer Break

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The semester’s winding down, finals are finishing up, and students are heading out on their summer breaks. The Guest Blog is also on summer break – check out our recap of the entries we published this summer, and be sure to check back in August when we publish our Freshman Summer Blog Contest Winners!

January 10 – Liz Harnett – Cool Female Voice

“Every Wednesday night at 8 o’clock sharp, my voice and my music are broadcast to the world (well okay, to all 10 of my listeners) and for an hour, I have the power to play whatever I want and to say whatever comes to my mind.”

January 13 – Alexandre Polise – Thursdays

“I can hardly figure out where to begin this blog because I feel like from being here for just three months I’ve got so much advise to give you! But, as I’ve only got so much space to my name, I’ll describe to you just one day of my life at Hopkins: Thursday.”

January 17 – Caroline Katz – Not Your Typical Sorority Girl

“When I came to Hopkins last year as a freshman, Greek Life was the farthest thing from my mind. I was consumed with fears about my new roommate, what classes I would take, picking my major, and making friends. If anyone had asked me to describe myself, “sorority girl” would not have made the list.”

January 20 – Greco Song – What it means to be an artist at Hopkins

“Our class dealt with “artist’s books”. Artist’s books can be in any forms and contain anything that the artists want. I mean, really, they don’t even have to be “books.” An artist’s book can be just a bunch of colored blocks connected with a single string. As long as it’s bound by something it can be an artist’s book.”

January 24 – Kate Orgera – Flashbacks

“I was finally down to three schools, with Johns Hopkins among them. I thought really long and hard about it. I quibbled with myself over details of the amount of financial aid, the location, the dorms, the number of kids at the school. But finally, I put the details aside and thought, just like back in October,“What do I really want?””

January 31 – Emily Nink – A Niche For Everyone

“And, big surprise, JHU turned out to be a perfect fit for me as well. Turns out Hopkins is pretty cool after all, and all those myths about everyone sitting in the library have been proved false over the course of my first semester in college. Hopkins is close enough to downtown Baltimore to satisfy my love of cities and yet has a beautiful campus unparalleled by any other school I’ve visited.”

February 7 – Brian Shell – IBM at Johns Hopkins

“The second surprising fact I learned was that the speaker, Sam Palmisano, President, CEO, and Chairman of IBM, was a Hopkins graduate. If you’re at all like me, you probably thought that Mr. Palmisano studied applied mathematics or one of our engineering disciplines. Another surprise – he was a history major!”

February 10 – Michael St. Germain – Fears Allayed: A Nerd Prevails

“I had never imagined that the Blue Jay Battalion would challenge my greatest fear on the first day of training. I could think back to middle school when I wouldn’t even do a more moderate high ropes course because of my fear of heights. Little did I know my first day was going to epitomize my career so far at Johns Hopkins.”

February 14 – Kristina Kelvy – Merriment and Mayhem

“Originating from about midfield on the Hopkins’ side, there is a loud, boisterous group among the crowd of parents, students, and alumni.  They’re wearing matching blue polos and khakis, making their presence well known to the visiting side.  This is the Johns Hopkins University Pep Band.”

February 17 – Clare Richardson – Firenze

“It’s an understatement to say Florence is a far cry from Baltimore. It was definite culture shock to be placed in the middle of the Renaissance city with narrow streets and cobblestones, and in a country where I didn’t know the language.  I lucked out and lived in apartment with the Duomo right down the street: needless to say, I had quite a room with a view.”

February 21 – Kate Vacovec – ΦM Phun!

“While I wanted to get an amazing education at a great school, I made a vow to not sell my soul and sacrifice my sanity by going to a school whose extracurricular was study on M level. Well fortunately for me, I had a cousin who had graduated a couple years before and promised me that he had an awesome time.  After I applied and got in, I had to figure out how I would actually have fun at Hopkins.”

February 28 – Keith Spangler – Leaving the Nest Early

“Last semester, my advisor and I happened to realize that I would have enough credits to graduate this spring. Of course, this caught me off guard – what would I do next year? I had heard rumors of this thing called the “real world” but, until very recently, I was still under the impression that it was a fun montage of drama like in the MTV show. As it turns out, there are careers involved, as well as bills and health insurance and taxes. I panicked a little.”

March 3 – Joe Nugent – No, I’m Not a Comp-Sci Major

“Questions run through my mind like: how can I make the page load the fastest? How can I ensure the site is compatible in all browsers? How can I write a script that does exactly what I have in mind? How can I optimize the design of the site but make it dynamic and aesthetically appealing? But in the end, I’m not a computer science major, although many many people (include our Dean of Student Life who I worked with on Orientation) think I am.”

March 7 – Andrew Halls – Intersession Abroad: An Adventure to the Ecuadorian Amazon and the Galapagos Islands

“When people ask me, “How was Ecuador!?” I can only really tell them one thing.

“You have to go. It is possibly the most amazing experience I have had in my life. Everyone needs to go! Go to Ecuador! Go on the trip!””

March 14 – Gena Marie Upshaw – The Adventures of JHU H4H: How Power Tools, Pumpkin Pete, and the Plague Changed Everything

“This year I had friends travel to all three places, cool I know….. But I was determined to have some adventures of my own.  No I didn’t travel the world or take the beloved wine tasting class, but I did manage to do a little traveling of my own. I decided to participate in the annual Habitat for Humanity Intersession service trip.”

March 21 – Katie Brossman – My Life as a Writing Seminars Major

“What followed was a year and a half of experimentation with a seemingly endless combination of majors and minors. Looking back, I don’t regret the amount of time I spent trying to decide on my major. It only made my final choice that much more important. Sampling many different classes was one of the smartest things I did: when I finally did make my decision, it was based on true knowledge and firsthand experience.”

March 28 – Saznin Mehta – Out of Africa

“It has always been a lifelong dream for me to work abroad. Ever since I declared as a public health major, I’ve been looking for opportunities to work at an NGO or multilateral organization, particularly in Africa. Experiential learning has always been my style, so I knew that having the opportunity to see public health in action would fulfill me more as a student than any book or class ever could (not that I don’t enjoy my courses at Hopkins!).”

March 31 – Andrew Townson – Hop on Board the SOHOP Express

“For the first time in Johns Hopkins history, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in collaboration with Hopkins Hosting Society is proud to present SOHOP (or the Spring Open House and Overnight Program). What in years past have been two separate programs, an overnight centered on student engagement and social activities and a day program revolving around campus interaction and academic exploration, is now one super awesome, incredibly exciting extravaganza.”

April 4 – Beth Simmonds – A Series of Fortunate Events: How I Got the Job

“The internship was unpaid, which meant that I’d spend my evenings serving tables at a restaurant in my hometown, Arlington, VA (a DC suburb).  Yet I knew that the position would pay off in other ways.  Still, I never could have imagined that my internship at the Smithsonian would translate to a job upon graduating from college.”

April 11 – Nicole Overley – My Five Years at Hopkins—From Homewood to SAIS

“When that letter arrived, I was euphoric. Although I was already leaning towards accepting my offer of admission at Hopkins, the prospect of this $10,000 research grant and the opportunities it could afford me sealed the deal. And from the day I arrived on campus, my high expectations were exceeded.”

April 14 – Amanda Goldman-Petri – SO D-Xi-rable!

“The bond of sisterhood runs deep within us and we are always opening our hearts to new sisters, who want to join our family. This is one of the many aspects of my undergraduate career, which has exceeded my expectations. Being a part of DXP has been an amazing experience and I would pledge all over again if I had to. So, ask me, “Why Hopkins?” My answer is going to be, “Because I wanted a family”…and I got it.”

April 18 – Erich Desider-Nanxing Reimer – Growing Up, Looking Back

“One of the especially great things about Hopkins is the vast array of opportunities in student life – there is such an immensely diverse range of interests that allows us to grow in our interests and beliefs in ways that we may not even initially be able to recognize. In my opinion student life has provided me just as much of an education, if not more, than my experiences in the classroom.”

April 25 – Billy Kang – Habitat for Humanity Pre-O

“Oh, did I mention you will have fun? Above all else, you will enjoy the experience. College without any classes or tests is a dream come true, this pre-o is precisely the chance for you to live a week of this dream. In another word, if you want a pressure free, relaxed and fun start to your college career – this is the program for you.”

Guest Blog on Winter Break

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It’s Winter Break at Hopkins, and it’s Winter Break for the Guest Blog too! Here’s a listing of all the wonderful entries we posted this semester, and check back January 10th, when the Guest Blog returns.

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October 4, 2010 – Keith Spangler – Living with the Freshmen

“Being a full-time student at Hopkins is hard; being a full-time student at Hopkins responsible for 44 rambunctious freshman is downright demanding. But, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

October 12, 2010 – Greco Song – Sing Our Hearts Out

“It’s such an invaluable source of inspiration and stress-relief, definitely making my college life much more bearable.”

October 19, 2010 – Joe Nugent – Why I Love My Job

“In retrospect, I didn’t just find a job in Admissions, I found a home (both figuratively and literally).”

October 27, 2010 – Saznin Mehta – The Leaves Aren’t the Only Things Changing

“My life at Hopkins has been a series of accidents and chance encounters that somehow got me to where I am now. I still approach all the big-kid activities like internships and research with the wide-eyed perspective of a newbie freshman. There’s still two more years of growing up for me to do.”

November 1, 2010 – Margaret Chow – Peabody Bound

“While I knew that I did not want to choose music as a career, I could not just stop playing my clarinet, stop taking lessons, and forget all about the musical period of my life. Thankfully, the Peabody Institute of Music gave me the opportunity to continue pursuing my hobby.”

November 8, 2010 – Alexa Mechanic – What’s My Age Again?

“Of course, I do miss my dog… and my mom and dad and brother, but everything about freshmen year here is so exciting that there is little time for homesickness. For me, the biggest changes have been the degree of freedom I have and the responsibility that accompanies this newfound autonomy.”

November 11, 2010 – Brian Shell – Behind the Scenes—Lupe Fiasco

“The show was, in a word, awesome. More than 1800 people ended up filling the gym to witness a lively, entertaining show. There were even a few Hopkins shout outs from the performers. It made it all worth it.”

November 15, 2010 – Jessie Koljonen – Weather and Halloween

“Fall here in Baltimore is one of my favorite times of the year. The leaves are changing color, the weather is getting colder, and the stress from midterms is finally winding down (well, for most of us!).”

November 18, 2010 – Clare Grechis – The Art of Juggling

“Juggling is an art form, one that takes tremendous skill and talent.  It seems like everyone at Hopkins is good at this in one way or another.”

November 22, 2010 – Elizabeth Kraus – The Best of Hopkins

“Hopkins immediately drew me in not only because of its beauty but also, because I saw that all the other students that were accepted were just like me: hardworking, yet fun people, with motivation towards the future.”

November 25, 2010 – Charlie Weintraub – Biking in Baltimore

“There’s so much to see and do around the city and on campus here that my bike and I are never without new places to go to. The campus gates of the university aren’t where your experiences end at Hopkins.”

November 29, 2010 – Jimmy Su – Growing Up—At Least Somewhat

“You never know what people you’re going to meet and what experiences you’re going to come by, what student groups you might join or even establish, or what dessert you’ll always hope they will have at the Fresh Food Café. Somewhere out there, those late nights of randomness and ramen may be waiting for you (if that’s what you wish to do anyway). And that’s what makes growing up an adventure.”

December 2, 2010 – Liz Kaplan – A Semester in Sevilla

“I can’t even begin to express my love for this city. As soon as my plane landed, I knew that this would be an awesome semester. I wake up in the morning and am instantly surrounded by Spanish culture—in the streets, at my homestay, at my university, and as I sit down to relax in front of the television.”

December 6, 2010 – Lauren Chavis – Major Changes and Minor Changes

“Like many, I came to Hopkins bent on going Pre-Med. I had my entire life planned out in a little notebook. I still do. It’s buried somewhere under a pile of Calculus homework and Chemistry notes.”

December 9, 2010 – Abby Weber – My Charm City

“I heard horror story after horror story about the dangerous atmosphere that surrounded Hopkins, and was full of trepidation before I ever set foot on campus. But now that I am here, I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

December 13, 2010 – Renée Kraiem – The “So What?” Test

“These people, places and events, have shaped my experience at Hopkins into an exciting, interesting, intellectual and goofy two months. Everything that I’ve encountered here so far has true character to it, and, above all, an investment in fulfilling its potential, be it a research paper for Biological Anthropology or a toga party. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

December 16, 2010 – Linda Song – I’m Mental and I’m Proud

“Now, I don’t live, breath, and devour a cappella—but I’m pretty darn close—and I *love* being a part of an a cappella group.”

December 20, 2010 – Atma Khalsa – Creative Inspiration and Hopkins Instigation

“About halfway through my freshman year, I put Medical school aside to discover what I truly wanted. Although it came as a complete surprise to me, my unavoidable artistic side began to bloom.”

December 23, 2010 – Chelsea Rinnig – Namaste—Volunteer Work Abroad Drives My Goals at Home

“My experience was unique and amazing, but especially when talking to my fellow seniors, I find that everyone has taught English in Honduras or interned in China or done something during their Hopkins career that has changed their life.”

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We hope you enjoyed the entries this semester – check back in the spring for more entries from Hopkins students! In the meantime, check out our current student blogs here.

Guest Blog on Summer Break 2010

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School’s out for summer and while the students are away, the guest blog will be, too!  We’ve had a great semester and some fantastic blog entries (including our Best of the Guest Blog series in April), so until our return in August, keep busy rereading them all.

1.18.10: Chris Reis – Winter Break
“You might have heard it before, I definitely did, but Hopkins really does get better every year.”

1.26.10 – The Guest Blog Map
“To showcase just how tremendous this blog has become, we have built the Guest Blog Map, dotted with each author’s hometown (and our regular bloggers’ hometowns, for good measure).”

2.1.10: Martin Kelly – From a New Freshman
“Luckily, like most freshmen, this new world of Hopkins is turning out to be much more exhilarating than terrifying.”

2.4.10: Natalie Berkman – Something for Everyone
“Aside from schoolwork, being at Hopkins has other benefits that make it a dream college for the indecisive people like me.”

2.16.10: Victor Ekanem – NASA Space Elevator
“Last year as an eager freshman, freshly exposed to the world of Hopkins with a semester under my belt, I looked for the coolest project that I could get involved in.”

2.18.10: Rebka Tekeste – HOPE
“As part of HOPE’s aim to encourage pre-health students, it provides community service activities, clinic volunteering and tutoring opportunities.”

2.22.10: Alexandra Byer – Hopkins Home
“Though there’s something to be said for being away from campus, there’s a liveliness, intensity, and camaraderie to Hopkins and its brick walkways and Georgian architecture. It’s a comfort to know a place so well and I’m happy that most things have remained the same.”

2.2510: Evelyn Clark – My Top 5 Favorite Classes at Hopkins
“It was the first time I really felt like I knew what I wanted to do, and I was actually doing it—with other people who wanted to do it too!  It took me away from being an undergraduate and helped me see what my life may be like in the future—and that was absolutely invaluable.”

3.1.10: Kristen Gendron – Senior Reflections and the Aitchison Fellowship
“Like many of the seniors on campus, I am caught in a middle ground where my Hopkins experience is quickly coming to a close, and little about my future in the real world is concrete.”

3.4.10: Laurin Wolf – Snow Week ‘10
“The streets were piled high with drifts, cars were completely buried, and the miniature snowplows that Baltimore appeared to have on hand, while very cute, didn’t seem to be making much progress in controlling the mess.”

3.8.10: Heather Ehrlich – PAWS
“I met many like-minded people, both freshmen and upper classmen, and I found an outlet for the severe missing of my dogs back home.  Yes, I was in heaven.”

3.29.10 – Best of the Guest Blog
“Starting on Thursday and continuing for the entire month of April, we’ll be re-publishing some of our favorite entries from the past few years.”  (Note: the following entries are all re-published versions of earlier entries).

4.1.10: Evelyn Clark – Best of the Guest Blog I: From Pre-Med to PhD
“I was somewhat dreading the call to my parents to inform them that their precious daughter was deviating from the set plan, and held it off for a few more classes until I was absolutely sure it was what I wanted to do.”

4.5.10: Hannah Reade Joo – Best of the Guest Blog II: Toward the Saving of Sweatshirts
“As I told my academic advisor a month ago, I feel that by ending up at Hopkins and not Stanford, I dodged a very large, very attractive bullet. That is not to say it would be for everyone, but for me it was, because I would have been missing out on Hopkins.”

4.8.10: Sarah Capponi – Best of the Guest Blog III: Balancing Act
“Someone in my group whistles in appreciation, and then a worried prospective stammers out, ‘How do you do all that and still have time for schoolwork?’ That is the million-dollar question. Sometimes, I don’t even know how I manage to pass Organic Chemistry and stay involved with six outside activities in college.”

4.12.10: Clare Richardson – Best of the Guest Blog V: When Worlds Combine
“As I begin to write my reviews of the docs, dramas, comedies, and genre-benders I saw, it’s fun to view the films with a new, critical eye and begin to apply what I’d learned last semester. And the best part of the whole experience is that I’ve already been able to connect these two parts of my life together after just one semester here.”

4.16.10: Rena Barch – Best of the Guest Blog V: Life Behind the Bar
“Cafe Q filled all of these purposes for me, but in the second semester of my sophomore year Cafe Q took on a much greater role in my Hopkins experience when I applied to work as a “Barista”.”

4.19.10: Neha Deshpande – Best of the Guest Blog VI: Intersession in India
“During my month in Pune, I had the privilege of working at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH), a non-government organization (NGO) whose primary purpose is to serve the lowest income bracket (poverty-line population) of the urban and rural areas of Pune.”

4.22.10: Liny John – Best of the Guest Blog VII: Spring Fair: The Hottest Event on Campus
“By being on staff I got the inside scoop on everything it takes to put together the largest event on campus. Our meetings for spring fair started all the way back in September!”

4.26.10: Carolyn Purington – Best of the Guest Blog VIII: Experiencing Ecuador through Engineers Without Borders
“After meeting so many people in Santa Rosa de Ayora, I definitely feel a greater sense of urgency to complete this project as soon as possible. They are waiting for us, and as engineers this is our opportunity to make a difference.”

4.29.10: Anne Mumford – Best of the Guest Blog IX: My Path to Kappa: Greek Rush at Hopkins
“Like many freshmen, I had heard about sororities but knew little about what actually went on. Most of what I had heard was through the media and was largely negative – horror stories about girls being branded by their “sisters” or drowning during bizarre hazing events.”

5.3.10: Aaron Jen – The Goodman Award: Hopkins and the Arts
“The Goodman Award was established by the late Dr. Goodman to encourage prospective doctors to pursue their interests in the arts by providing a monetary award toward a project of the student’s choosing. For my project I chose to create a miniature fashion magazine, comprised of photographs and interviews with clothing-store owners located in Baltimore.”

Spring Break 2010

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While the rest of Hopkins is on spring break, the guest blog will be, too!  In the mean time, check out our amazing guest blog map and use it to find blogs you may not have otherwise come across.  We’ll be back soon; happy spring break until then!
View Hopkins Interactive Guest Blog in a larger map

Editor’s Note

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The Guest Blog is still on winter break, but we don't want you to forget about us in the meantime!  So today and next Monday, we'll be bringing you a couple of entries to make sure you're just as excited about the upcoming semester as we are.

Guest Blog on Winter Break 2010

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A busy fall semester has come to a close bringing winter break and intersession upon us!  For those unfamiliar, intersession is the three-week period in January, during which students can stay at home for an extended break, or come back to campus to take a variety of unique classes or just hang out with friends and enjoy their time off in Baltimore.  For more information and to see some of this year's offerings, be sure to take a look at the 2010 Intersession website. 

While the Guest Blog will be on break during intersession, we're looking forward to a very exciting spring semester and hope you'll be back to join us in February.  In the mean time, check out our blogs from the semester, all wonderful entries on a wide range of topics:

12.24.09: Kristine – Multicultural Groups at Hopkins

"My friends always say that I have more clubs than classes. Many of my activities range from committees, advisory boards, volunteer groups, dance, and multicultural student groups. Spreading multicultural awareness on campus is close to my heart, so I’ll tell you about 2 of them that were created to assist multicultural students—SSS and MAPP."

12.21.09: Julia – Boogie Down in Baltimore

"While I have thoroughly enjoyed my academic experiences at Hopkins, the one thing I look forward to most in the week is dance. Not only is it a great way to keep in shape, but its also fun and it can work to help you unwind after a tough week. Here on campus, there are tons off dance groups to choose from. It was really hard for me to decide, but I ended up settling on Ole Latin dance and Eclectics."

12.17.09: Tabitha – Fun During Finals

"Anyway, I wanted to mention this because I was one of the few people who had finished finals, so I wanted to show you all that people still have fun during finals period!"

12.14.09: Sarah – Balancing Act
"That is the million-dollar question. Sometimes, I don’t even know how I manage to pass Organic Chemistry and stay involved with six outside activities in college. But then I ask myself if I really want to be locked in my dorm room twenty-four/seven studying carbon-carbon bonds and reaction mechanisms. The answer: Absolutely not. And therein lies the answer to the question: Balance."

12.10.09: Daniel – Teaching About the Social Web
"It was excellent teaching the course.  I received a real appreciation of what it takes to build a course from just an idea to making the course successful for all of my students.  This level of experience I personally feel is only available from teaching an entire course."

12.07.09: Hannah – Toward the Saving of Sweatshirts
"If that girl from two years ago, preserved true to emotional form, could see me now, she would wonder at the fact of my existence.  How could it be that I did not simply cease to exist the moment it became clear I was not going to my first-choice school?"

12.03.09: Laura – Hopkins Soccer
"I started thinking that I actually might have a chance of continuing my athletic career and playing soccer in college. I had never really thought about varsity athletics beyond high school because I never considered myself good enough to play at the next level.  Plus, I was supposed to be focused on schoolwork.  But after careful consideration, I finally decided to email the coach."

11.30.09: Anna – Life in Technicolor
"Daydreams are all well and good, but honestly, when I decided to attend Hopkins last spring, I had no idea what to expect.  Looking at my life, I realized that I had spent the past nine years at a tiny independent school in Athens, Georgia and was about to graduate alongside the same 62 kids that I had known for most of my life.  What was I getting myself into? Needless to say, I was terrified at the prospect of moving over 600 miles away to attend a school several times larger than I was sure my comfort zone could handle.  Before I knew it (or could accept it), it was move-in day."

11.26.09: Laurin – Back On My Feet
"An Internet search taught us that Back On My Feet is a group that organizes running clubs at homeless shelters. It started in Philadelphia and now has a chapter in Baltimore. After attending an orientation session, Charlotte and I became official “non-res members” (meaning we don’t live at the shelter) of one of the 4 BOMF clubs here in the city. We get up around 5 a.m. on Friday mornings (sooo early, I know—but it’s only once a week!) and head down to the shelter in order to start running with our new friends by 5:30."

11.23.09: Adam – Notes from a Hopkins Teaching Assistant
"The way I teach is really the way I learn: through problem-oriented, question-driven discussion.  I always try to bring the conversation back to the historian we’re reading: Why did she choose the evidence she chose? How is she using it?  What is her argument?  Do we agree?  Why not?"

11.19.09: Katie – Salaamaalekum ci Senegal (Greetings from Senegal)
"I knew I wanted to study abroad starting in high school, and maybe even earlier. I had imagined myself going to France, given the fact that I started taking French in middle school. I definitely surprised people when I announced I wanted to study abroad in Dakar, Senegal. West Africa is certainly a world away from Europe."

11.16.09: Kim – The Vocal Chords Experience
"A cappella has been infused in every aspect of my college life.  I’ve always been a singer. I planned on trying out for a variety of music groups in college, but I didn’t expect that the one I joined would affect my entire undergraduate experience."

11.12.09: Neha – International Conference on Birth Defects & Disabilities in India
"My goal at the 4th International conference was not only to represent March of Dimes Team Youth, but to relay the importance of “The Power of Youth in Global Public Health.” My presentation offered strategies for mobilizing young professionals in developing countries to help reduce the rates of death and disability from preterm birth and birth defects in local communities."

11.09.09: Sam – London Calling
"After looking at the course catalog (which was essentially perfection for someone with my interests), I made up my mind that instant. I knew that I would be spending next semester in the land of the Beatles, royalty, and – most importantly – afternoon tea."

11.04.09: Kit – L'automne à Paris
"To get to class every day I have to take a 30 minute bus ride. That might sound pretty terrible to you… except I forgot to tell you that I live in PARIS! So, my bus ride isn’t just any bus ride. I get to drive down the Champs-Elysees, cross the Seine, see the Eiffel Tower in the distance and catch a glimpse of the spire of Notre Dame. All on my way to class. No biggie."

Guest Blog on Summer Vacation 2009

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It's finally the season of more sunshine and less schoolwork!  With Johns Hopkins undergraduates scattered throughout the world relaxing at home, conducting research or an internship at a university, volunteering at various organizations, or simply working to save up money, the next three months will be unique and exciting for every student.  

Although the beloved Guest Blog will be hibernating during the heated months of summer, there is much to look forward to in August as a number of incoming members of the Class of 2013 will be submitting entries!  Until then, check out the fabulous entries featuring current undergraduates posted throughout the latest semester: 

04.06.09 – Tasmin – "50 Things I Will Miss About Hopkins"
"It is amazing how time flies. I was surprised when senior year snuck up on me so quickly, and now it is almost finished. It feels like only yesterday I was moving into the AMR’s as a young freshman, but since then four great years have gone by. I have an infinite amount of great memories that I will take with me and cherish forever, but below are 50 things that I will sadly leave behind when I graduate in May."

04.02.09 – Tabor – "Merging Art with Engineering at the DMC"
"When I first got to Hopkins, I really had no idea what all would be offered here, in terms of extracurriculars. I knew the school was excellent in academics, but my only knowledge of stuff outside of academic work was a list of “Look at All These Clubs We Have!!!” Coming in, I had no idea how much art and media would be a part of my life here, especially since I am an Engineering Mechanics major."

03.30.09 – Anne – "Doggie Date Auction" 
"On any given day, you're likely to see tons of dogs running around the Hopkins. Families bring their children and puppies to frolic on the The Beach, older couples walk joyful golden retrievers along the brick pathways and a pair of adorable black and white Pomeranians are always chasing each other around the Decker Quad in front of the Admissions Office. However, despite the abundance of canine energy that tends to pervade the Homewood Campus, most students never actually get to hang out with a furry companion outside a perfunctory snuggle of someone's friendly beagle on the way to class."

03.26.09 – James - "Coming Out With DSAGA"
‘Coming out’ is a different process for everyone. For many it is the hardest thing they have ever, or will ever have to do in their life. The biggest thing is getting past the fear. While still in the closet, it seems that once you ‘come out’ your life will never be the same, and in many ways it will not. However, ‘coming out’ and telling the world who you truly are, helps you become that very person… (It is kind of circular, I guess)."

03.23.09 – Tabitha – Class-A-Holic
"Hi, my name is Tabitha, and I am class-a-holic. I have no control of this disease and end up attempting to take far too many credits every semester. Let me explain what I mean by describing my semester so far…"

03.19.09 – Natalie and Jai – Epidemic Proportions
"Epidemic Proportions is the Johns Hopkins undergraduate public health research journal, and one of the oldest in the country. It provides students with an outlet to publish their work, learn how to edit, and contribute to layout. Epidemic Proportions combines journalism with public health, and is comprised of a team of devoted, intelligent, and talented individuals who represent a variety of majors."

03.16.09 – Katie-  "Interning for the Johns Hopkins Sustainability Project"
"I've worked a lot of odd jobs in my life.  I’ve been a waitress, an intramurals referee, a telemarketer, and even a kennel cleaner at a veterinary hospital.  When I got to college, I became very interested in the environmental movement, so naturally when an internship involving sustainability and environmental advocacy became available right on campus with the Johns Hopkins Sustainability Initiative, I was excited to apply." 

03.09.09 – Lauren – "Johns: Food for Thought"
"As a Maryland resident (I’ll say I’m from D.C., since the suburbs here are difficult to explain), I’ve visited Baltimore many times. Each of these visits (usually with the pretense of going to the aquarium) had one unifying element: my parents made fun of Johns Hopkins. Not the institution itself, but the name. Every Hopkins student has had the experience of correcting someone when they call the university “John” or some other variant of Johns (people can be pretty creative)."

03.02.09 -Neha – "Intersession in India"
"Through the Johns Hopkins Woodrow Wilson Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program, I spent this past winter break assessing neonatal and maternal health in Pune, India. An ancient city home to over five million people, Pune is ranked the third city in India with the greatest slum population, right after Mumbai and Meerut. According to a December 2007 Times of India article, “Pune Growing into City of Slums”, the city’s slum population has grown 176% since 1991. Born in Maharashtra India myself, it was of personal significance and concern to me that the first and third rank cities were located in my birth state."

02.23.09 -Sydney – "Summer in China"
"I’m really good at charades. You think I kid, but you try living in Beijing, China for a summer with not-so-hot Chinese language skills and let me know how talking without your hands goes for you.  I was completing 2nd year Chinese at Hopkins when I somehow got the idea into my head that I wanted to be in Beijing for the Olympics, and that’s how I ended up in an 8 week intensive Chinese language program where I had to sign a pledge that I would speak Chinese, and only Chinese, at all times." 

02.16.09 – Claire – "When Worlds Combine"
"I had always envisioned college as a place where my interests in life would become what I was learning at school. Where at last school wouldn’t feel like “work,” but where I would immerse myself in learning about things that interested me. My passions have always been film and creative writing, and unfortunately they’re two subjects that don’t get a lot of attention in high school."

There you go!  Eleven separate glimpses of what a single semester at Johns Hopkins can hold.  Another semester has passed, and countless lessons have been learned and growth through change has run its course.  Until next time!  

Guest Blog on Winter Break

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It's Intersession time!  The holidays are over, and now is the three-week period when a big portion of the Hopkins community comes back to campus to work, take fun classes, study for the MCATs/LSATs/GREs, or explore the city.  But, most importantly, Intersession is generally an extension of winter break – even with certain responsibilities, the students who choose to come back make sure they enjoy lots of rest, fun, and relaxation too!

So, the Hopkins Interactive Guest Blog will be on break for a few more weeks, just like its students.  Don't worry, though – we'll be back in mid-February with a host of new and exciting blog entries!  For now, we invite you to take a look back and enjoy the entries from the Summer and Fall of 2008!

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Over the summer, Hopkins Interactive held its 2nd annual blogging contest, this year for the Class of 2012.  We asked these incoming freshmen to address anything related to the topic of arriving at Hopkins in the fall: the goal was to be able to post a series of blog entries written by incoming freshmen about their personal thoughts and experiences before the official start of their Hopkins years.  In the end, we chose five blog entries to represent the Class of 2012 and published them for you to read!  Here they are:

08.18.08 – Hannah – "An Ode to Thumbtacks" – CLICK HERE.

08.19.08 – Emily – "Ready or Not, College, Here I Come!" – CLICK HERE.

08.20.08 – Diem – "The Day Marked on the Calendar" – CLICK HERE.

08.21.08 – Lauren – "The Ending and the Endless" – CLICK HERE.

08.22.08 – Rohit – "'Head Shake' by Mr. Johns Hopkins" – CLICK HERE.

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In the fall, the Hopkins Interactive Guest Blog resumed bringing to you blog entries from a variety of students on the Hopkins campus.  With the following 17 blog entries, Hopkins Interactive had the pleasure of presenting topics from study abroad to fitting in as a freshman to choosing a major … and MUCH MORE.

11.03.08 – Mohammad – "3707 Miles of Endless Road" – CLICK HERE.  A sophomore shares how bicycling across the country with Hopkins 4K For Cancer taught him the value of life … especially its twists and turns.

11.06.08 – Nick – "Working with HIV/AIDS Patients in Kakinada, India" – CLICK HERE.  Interning at a private hospital in India over the summer, one junior learned of the way equanimity and compassion can lead to extraordinary things.

11.10.08 – Tanya – "The Game of LIFE" – CLICK HERE.  A transfer student talks about handling, appreciating, and welcoming the uncertainties of life.  Sometimes things don't turn out like you planned!

11.13.08 – Laura – "A Day in the Life of a BME Cross-Country Runner" – CLICK HERE.  A junior engineering athlete takes us hour-by-hour through one of her typical and exciting days!

11.18.08 – Phillip – "Living Off Campus" – CLICK HERE.  A senior talks about how great an advantage it is to live off campus and how great it can be to come home to your best friends.

11.20.08 – Ardi – "The Hopkins 500: One of the many myths about Hopkins" – CLICK HERE.  Myths, debunked!  A freshman learns through first-hand experience that what you hear about a school isn't always the truth.

11.24.08 – Mark – "The Two Month Anniversary" – CLICK HERE.  A freshman talks about the strong and happy "relationship" he has already formed with Hopkins – and can definitely see it lasting beyond two months!

11.27.08 – Evelyn – "Pre-Med to PhD" – CLICK HERE.  A junior reveals how, sometimes, taking one random class can open your eyes to a whole world you hadn't known before … and, ultimately, how that one class can truly change everything.

12.01.08 – Anna – "The 4K and Beyond: My Hopkins Experience" – CLICK HERE.  A junior talks about how meaningful the adventure of the Hopkins 4K For Cancer was for her, and how she appreciates the opportunities that Hopkins gives to us all.

12.04.08 – Tabitha – "Fall Break" – CLICK HERE.  A sophomore shows that, even when things can get really hectic here sometimes, Hopkins students always take advantage of their free time!

12.08.08 – Allison – "Paris, Je t'aime" – CLICK HERE.  A junior talks of her summer spent working at a French hospital – and how it impacted her views on health care, cultural differences, and the way we lead our lives.

12.11.08 – Erin – "Anything but Blase…" – CLICK HERE.  A freshman shares common concerns about her first year in college – and shows that even the biggest changes in life can give wonderful results.

12.15.08 – Rena – "Life Behind the Bar" – CLICK HERE.  What's it like behind the Cafe Q counter?  A senior barista gives us an inside peek at our favorite coffee and snack spot!

12.18.08 – Kristan – "Tutoring Tales" – CLICK HERE.  Learning to manage your time in college is a tough skill to master.  A freshman shares her secret to structuring her time – getting involved in Tutorial Project and being responsible for someone else.

12.22.08 – Sam – "So You Want to Start an Organization…" – CLICK HERE.  A sophomore shares his experiences with starting a political publication (JHU Politik) on the Hopkins campus.  It takes a lot of commitment, but it's not as hard as you might think!

12.25.08 – Carolyn – "Experiencing Ecuador through Engineers Without Borders" – CLICK HERE.  As a member of Engineers Without Borders, a trip to Santa Rosa de Ayora to design a children's nursery taught this junior that an engineer's job is much more than just the planning of a building: it's making a true difference in people's lives.

12.29.08 – Benjamin – "Coming Together at the Freshman Formal" – CLICK HERE.  A freshman speaks about his experiences with Student Government Association and how its Freshman Formal was the perfect, memorable way to bring together the Class of 2012.

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With yet another summer and fall down, Hopkins is already gearing up to start spring semester 2009.  We are sure to bring you another great selection of guest blog entries in the coming months, so STAY TUNED!

Guest Blog on Summer Vacation 2008

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It’s finally the season of more sunshine and less schoolwork!  With Hopkins undergraduates scattered throughout the world chilling at home, conducting research or an internship at a university, volunteering at various organizations, or simply working to save up money, the next three months will be unique and exciting for every student.

Although the beloved Guest Blog will be hibernating during the heated months of summer, there is much to look forward to in August as a number of incoming members of the Class of 2012 will be submitting entries!  Until then, check out the fabulous twenty-six entries featuring current undergraduates posted throughout the latest semester:

01.28.2008 – Rachel – “Finding Where I Fit” – CLICK HERE. A sophomore psychology major shares her epiphany during a Hopkins tour when she was a high school senior.  Although she wanted to attend a small liberal arts college, the news about JHU Tutorial Project made her choose Hopkins.  Now, she is a devoted member of Student Advisory Board (SAAB) in the Center for Social Concern (CSC) which manages the Tutorial Project.

01.31.2008 – Amanda – “Leading a Double Life” – CLICK HERE.  Here is a fourth year undergraduate who is in the excellent JHU Public Policy program (which works through the Institute for Policy Studies, IPS).  This two year program allowed her to take graduate level classes her senior year as it overlapped well with her Political Science undergraduate classes.

02.04.2008 - Michael – “Hopkins: A Dialectical Perspective (Or: Living to Learn)” – CLICK HERE.  This freshman says “college has been a qualitative change”.  As a Biology/Anthropology major, he ventured into the Beginning Arabic course and realized that things should be looked at from multiple perspectives.  Read how he applies this to ECO-reps, a group advocating Hopkins Sustainability.

02.07.2008 – Andrew – “Birthright: A Trip to Israel” – CLICK HERE.  Although this junior has written many guest blog entries before, this particular blog highlights his trip to Israel through the Birthright program.  Traveling with a handful of friends from school, he had a blast venturing throughout Israel during winter break.  This vacation linked well with his studies as an International Relations student!

02.11.2008 – Katie – “Meanderings of a Hopkins Freshman” – CLICK HERE.  Freshman Writing Seminars major from California writes about her love for Pre-O (Pre-Orientation) at Hopkins and her continued involvement in Outdoor Pursuits.  Her love for Sacramento transferred to Baltimore’s Hampden and its numerous eccentric shops!

02.14.2008 – Amy - “Working at the BMA – CLICK HERE.  This freshman comes from Colorado and is a Philosophy major with a pre-med twist.  She works in the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) and spills the details of the latest Matisse exhibit.  Note: this museum is free of charge for Hopkins students!

02.18.2008 – Amanda – “…When Baltimore Gleamed in Supernatural Ecstasy…” – CLICK HERE.  This freshman New Yorker writes about her explorations throughout the city of Baltimore.  The non-city feel of the Homewood campus is compensated with various hot spots like Fell’s Point, Sonar, Walter’s Museum, etc.

02.21.2008 – Ashlyn – “Hopkins in Egypt” – CLICK HERE.  This member of the Class of 2010 transferred into Hopkins as sophomore as a Near Eastern Studies major.  She details her adventures in Egypt through the Hopkins in Egypt Today Intersession Program.  Read about her 24-day adventure abroad!

02.25.2008 – Tanmay - “Life as a Hopkins BME: Reflections on Junior Year” – CLICK HERE.  This third year BME student gushes on the wonders of classes in the Biomedical Engineering department.  In particular, the Systems Bioengineering (SBE) courses are quite popular with their numerous professors — experts teaching their field of work — and the labs!  Watch the videos of dissections and how the students learned how cardiac contraction occurs with the use of an isolated frog’s heart ventricle!

02.28.2008 – Margaret – “Welcome to Alaska!  JHU goes to Egypt” – CLICK HERE.  Read what impressed this senior English and History of Art double major on the Hopkins in Egypt Today during Intersession.  Apparently, everyone in Egypt greets Americans with the phrase, “Welcome to Alaska!”.

03.03.2008 – Liny – “I <3 T-shirts … especially when they’re free!” – CLICK HERE.  This third year BME devotes an entry to her love for FREE STUFF.  She shares the secrets of how to get a handful of free t-shirts at Hopkins throughout the school year.

03.06.2008 – James – “Going GRΣΣK” – CLICK HERE.  Here is a junior Neuroscience major who is ready to tell you the positive aspects of Greek Life at Hopkins.  With higher grade point averages, more community service hours, and an enormous networking plan, fraternities aim to raise better men.  Read about the various programs in the different fraternities at Hopkins!

03.13.2008 – Jermaine – “Journal Excerpt: Empowering Change — Challenges in Urban Health” – CLICK HERE.  Read how this third year undergraduate attended the 10th Annual Minority Pre-Health Professions Conference organized by the Pre-Professional Advising Office.  He attended work shops on urban health and was inspired that our generation can make a change.  Also, the renown Dr. Ben Carson was the keynote speaker for the weekend!

03.17.2008 – Blake – “Historically Black Greek Lettered Organizations at Hopkins” – CLICK HERE.  This sophomore — who shared about his involvement in the Hopkins’ improv group, the Buttered Niblets, in a previous entry — now shares of his involvement in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.  This is a historical Black Greek Lettered Organization (BGLO), and this entry shows the magnificent influence these organizations have on the young and old today and in throughout history.  Also, watch the video of “real stepping outside of Hollywood”!

03.20.2008 – Siobhan – “Tales of a Second Semester Freshman” – CLICK HERE.  As a Mechanical Engineering student AND basketball player on the Women’s Basketball Team, this freshman tells of how she decided to branch out more during the second semester.  With a enjoyable job working at Hopkins sports games and joining a sorority (Kappa Alpha Theta), she is enjoying her ever widening network of friends.

03.24.2008 – Brandon – “Explorin’ the Town” – CLICK HERE.  As a fourth year Philosophy major, this senior has learned to find the beauty of the city.  Read why Blue Moon Cafe and The Sound Garden make Fell’s Point his favorite area in Baltimore.

03.27.2008 – Mary – “The Right Decision” – CLICK HERE.  This freshman studying Environmental Engineering is already ready to call Hopkins and Baltimore “home”.  Read why this girl from rural New Jersey was quickly able to get acclimated to the city of Baltimore.  And read about her exciting internship over Intersession at the Jones Falls Watershed Association (now Blue Water Baltimore).

03.31.2008 – Siobhan – “Hopkins Cribs: AMR II, Hollander House” – CLICK HERE.  As a member of Hopkins Interactive, Siobhan creates an entry of her crib in AMR II.  Read about the typical living space of a freshman at Hopkins.

04.03.2008 - Tabitha – “Hopkins Cribs: Wolman 302A” – CLICK HERE.  Tabitha is another freshman on the Hopkins Interactive team, and she shows you her crib in a different style of freshman living.  Rather than the typical freshmen dorms like Siobhan’s room (in the entry above), this freshman opted for the suite-style. Look at the different housing options with descriptions: Office of Housing and Dining Services.

04.07.2008 – Jeremy – “A Hopkins Student and a Humanities Major: A Confession in Several Paragraphs” – CLICK HERE.  This freshman dipping his toes in the humanities writes a hilarious account of the meshing of humanities, engineering, and pre-med students at Hopkins.  As a member of the Buttered Niblets, he is good with his words.  Read about facial hair and long hours in the library in this entry.  He also shares about Gilman Hall’s renovation.

04.10.2008 – Anna – “Lo tuvo sin hacerlo, que lo hagamos sin tenerlo” – CLICK HERE.  This third year Romance Languages and International Studies double major shares her adventures abroad through the Hopkins sponsored program in Madrid, Spain.  Studying Spanish history, Spanish Literature, the EU, Spanish Society, and the Spanish language, she was able to expand her knowledge with a hands-on manner.  Read about her adventures with other Hopkins undergraduates.

04.14.2008 – Tabitha - “Hopkins from the International Perspective” – CLICK HERE.  Tabitha spills the beans on what her experience as an international student from England has been thus far.  Looking into the differences of academic classes, geographic areas (stores, demographics, etc), and people, it seems there are slight differences in perspectives.  However, her experiences at Hopkins — and her interactions with Americans — have been pleasant!

04.17.2008 – Aliza – “Hopkins Take Two” – CLICK HERE.  This freshman is a Political Science and Public Health double major.  She is involved in the Blue Key Society, Alpha Phi, and mentors Baltimore City children at the National Aquarium at the Inner Harbor through the PSA Mentoring Group.  Read as she re-tells a typical week.

04.21.2008 – Catherine – “The Wonderful World of Wolman 2 West” – CLICK HERE.  This International Studies freshman confesses to being slightly on the less social side.  However, as your read her entry, you can see that everyone — to whatever degree of social one may be — can find their niche.  Her eclectic group of friends keeps it real every night eating together at the Fresh Food Cafe (the freshmen dining hall).

05.16.2008 – Stephanie – “So Much Has Changed” – CLICK HERE.  As graduation is near, this senior reflects on her four year journey at Hopkins.  Reminiscing on what activities deeply impacted her, such as being a Resident Assistant and a Teaching Assistant, she can see the growth in herself.  Receiving the Fulbright grant, she is looking forward to teaching English in Hong Kong, carrying all of the lessons and memories of Hopkins.

There you go!  Twenty-six separate glimpses of what a single semester at Johns Hopkins can hold.  Another semester has passed, and countless lessons have been learned and growth through change has run its course.  Until next time!