Although today I could not sleep in, I was not really disappointed or upset.
At first, I did not look forward to the University of Rochester very much. It turned out that the University of Rochester is a great school. I like the setting of it. Compared to Cornell University, it is a much smaller campus. In my opinion, that is a plus since it will be much more convenient going from class to class. Having spent a week already at Cornell, I feel having to walk 15-20 minutes to my class is somewhat difficult. At home, I always have the luxury of my mom driving where I need to be, such as school. Walking to the School of Hotel Administration each day is really a culture shock.
I have to agree, it is a wonderful school. However, the only thing I was skeptical about was it would not be strong in my studies. During the tour, I brought up to the tour guide about the studies I am interested in, journalism and Asian studies. He was not sure of how strong the two studies at University of Rochester or even whether the institution carries those studies. I checked the website earlier and the two majors were not listed in its database. I really like the environment of the school, the flexibility it offers in terms of schedules and courses to take, and its study abroad program, but if the university does not have my studies, that is quite a problem.
Casino Night was pretty fun. I didn't think that it would be as good as it is because I do not know how to play most of the games they had. I ended up playing several rounds of Blackjack. I got a lot of chips and won blackjack twice during the night. With the chips, I was able to purchase 21 tickets for the raffle. The prizes included an iPod Shuffle, an "Ithaca is Gorges" T-shirt every 15 minutes, and Urban Outfitters VIP tickets for the new store opening on Wednesday in Ithaca. I was definitely going for the VIP tickets. I put all of my raffle tickets in that particular bucket. I was disappointed I did not win. However, I am not sure how I would even be able to get there since it is during my mandatory office hours. It was just not meant to be.
~Louisa
I have to agree, it is a wonderful school. However, the only thing I was skeptical about was it would not be strong in my studies. During the tour, I brought up to the tour guide about the studies I am interested in, journalism and Asian studies. He was not sure of how strong the two studies at University of Rochester or even whether the institution carries those studies. I checked the website earlier and the two majors were not listed in its database. I really like the environment of the school, the flexibility it offers in terms of schedules and courses to take, and its study abroad program, but if the university does not have my studies, that is quite a problem.
Casino Night was pretty fun. I didn't think that it would be as good as it is because I do not know how to play most of the games they had. I ended up playing several rounds of Blackjack. I got a lot of chips and won blackjack twice during the night. With the chips, I was able to purchase 21 tickets for the raffle. The prizes included an iPod Shuffle, an "Ithaca is Gorges" T-shirt every 15 minutes, and Urban Outfitters VIP tickets for the new store opening on Wednesday in Ithaca. I was definitely going for the VIP tickets. I put all of my raffle tickets in that particular bucket. I was disappointed I did not win. However, I am not sure how I would even be able to get there since it is during my mandatory office hours. It was just not meant to be.
~Louisa
I read your coments and beneath the veneer appears a person who yearns for home. I am happy that you are learning a lot from your time at Cornell, but I sense a person who sees herself not enamored with the environment.
ReplyDeleteYour posts as your time at Cornell increases have a negative conclusion, like your most recent one where you concluded with "I guess it was not meant to be". What does that mean?
In life and as you grow older, Louisa you will find that you may not be in the best of any situation, however you learn from it and move on. Now the East Coast may not have turned out like you hoped or anticipated, but you will find that being in any community has its highlights and lowlights. Home is home, it will always be there, this is your chance to do some soul searching and examine where you are academically and socially.
One thing that I do admire in your comments is your openness and willingness to express your true feelings. Continue to share your thoughts, but please look to enjoy yourself with your other colleagues. Remember the Ivy League Connection is not about getting into Ivy League Schools, it is a program designed for self exploration through challenging and rigorous settings.
Thanks for letting us see the real Louisa Man.
Take care.
Charles T. Ramsey, Esq.
School Board Member
West Contra Costa
Unified School District
Mr, Ramsey,
ReplyDeleteThe line, "I guess it was not meant to be" was only referring to the fact I did not win the Urban Outfitters VIP tickets. I was saying that first of all I did not win, and second even if I did win, I would not even be able to go due to office hours. The situation of the VIP tickets was not favorable to me. I was not referring to me being away from home and me being at Cornell. I love this experience being away from home. What I said in my post was just a comparison between the difference of how I am managing here to how I really live. I apologize for the misunderstanding.
~Louisa
Thanks Louisa for the clarification. I will take you at your word, but it appears that in reading your posts that your subconscious is peering through and I am unsure if this experience has met your expectation.
ReplyDeleteHave others read your posts. Let them give you honest feedback. Ramiah is a person who will be open and frank with you. These programs are different for our students and I know that we have initiated these programs to see where we wanted to go with our students.
Louisa, you are a talented and motivated student who has a lot of potential. However, I read in your posts a lot of uncertainty about attending this program. I need you to be the catayst for social change with students in our district. Keep up the good work and if you can provide us why this program is great and how you plan to take your experience and use it at Hercules High School next year.
I welcome your reply to this comment.
Thanks again.
Charles T. Ramsey, Esq.
School Board Member
West Contra Costa
Unified School District
Louisa,
ReplyDeleteIsn't it strange how two people can look at the same things and see two completely different things?
You looked at the raffle for the VIP tickets and saw that it just wasn't meant to be. I would have looked at the same raffle and seen that it was rigged against me.
I was also amused by your comments about the hefty walk between classes and how you're used to being chauffeured around. Why, when I was your age I walked 10 miles between classes--in the snow--barefoot--and was glad that I had the chance to do so. Not buying it? Neither did I when my own Dad tried to pull it on me.
Being basically lazy (as I sit in front of my computer instead of outside pushing the lawnmower all over), I can appreciate having al of my classes in the same building. With a lot of college students, though, that walk between classes can sometimes be the only physical activity they get and the body needs physical exercise to go along with the mental stuff. But a ride sure comes in handy, doesn't it?
Don,
ReplyDeleteThat is true. A ride does come in handy. After having experienced both walking what feels like miles to my class and having my parents chauffeur me around, I see a new perspective. I surely do take the luxury of having a car always there for granted. I will surely this lesson with me back home. I will cherish my rides. Sounds funny, huh?