An excerpt from the tour guide life: everyone's favorite question is, what can GW give me that other universities can't? Last week, I got a very resounding answer.
A week ago, prolific Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winning author Toni Morrison graced the GW campus for a one-night engagement in the Lisner. Having read one of her famous novels in high school, it felt like an unbelievable opportunity to get to see her in person. And that it was! Ms. Morrison has arguably done the most for black women in literature in the last few decades than any other author, and to see her sitting up on the all-too-familiar Lisner stage was nothing short of spectacular. She was funny and lighthearted in her storytelling, but also deeply moving and impassioned in her readings from old and new works alike. She even allowed a Q & A session afterwards, where I found she was completely approachable and down to Earth in responding to some intensive questions (typical GW kids). Ms. Morrison also has begun a project here at GW called Bench By the Road, and the new bench in her honor has been placed outside the Auditorium, so stop by and check it out if you're on campus!
This is the thing about GW, though. Where else can you see one of the most groundbreaking writers in modern literature speak FOR FREE on a regular weeknight? It's opportunities like these that make this the place to be. In addition, it really brings what we learn in the classroom out and into a new light, coming full circle. I read this book in high school, saw its author speak in college, and found myself tremendously moved and compelled to go back and re-examine her work now as an older, more mature and capable person. Maybe I'm just nerdy, but I love to learn, and more importantly, I love to relearn, building upon things I already know with new ways of thinking. It is seeing influential people like Toni Morrison that gives a student like me an opportunity to grow and rethink the opinions I have already set forth on the world around me. Moments like that, I just feel honored to be here.
I'll be back soon to tell you all about the whirlwind of my academic/extra-curricular life here at the G-Dub, but until then, pour your heart out to gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu. And also, check out my fellow blogger Shireen's post on Ms. Morrison's night in the Lisner: http://gwadmissions.blogspot.com/2011/09/toni-morrison.html.
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Showing posts with label Gina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gina. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
From Class-Goer to Intern
As if this semester could get any better for me, I have even more good news. My first week back on campus, literally my first day back in class, I was offered my top-choice internship on the spot at my interview! You're probably wondering how someone goes from regular class-goer to DC intern so fast, yeah? Surprisingly, here, it is very easy.
Let's talk about internships, because honestly, that's what everyone is talking about. Internships are a huge part of life here at GW, because we are a school that's all about hands-on experience. One of my draws to the university, which goes for most people who commit here, is the fact that you not only get to have the city at your disposal, but you can utilize its resources to get some real, quality resume-boosters while you're a full time student! But, if you're anything like me, the sheer multitude of internships may be enough to scare you into another semester of solely classwork. Here's how I did it, and if you follow the same path, I promise it's virtually foolproof.
Use GWork. This is a service I always have to talk up on my tours, but I'll be honest in admitting I never used it prior to this summer. As I wasn't under Federal Work Study or in need of a steady job while I was at school last year, GWork was something totally under my radar. But as the summer was winding down and I realized I'd be a sophomore in a matter of weeks, I realized it was time to get serious about interning. I signed into GWork, and started from the beginning. Here's the link.
Polish your resume. If you want the high-class internship of your dreams, it usually all starts with a really tight resume. Don't have a resume? Don't be embarrassed, I only made mine this summer so I could get summer work. Lucky for you, there are sample resumes on the GWork website to help you out. More often than not, though, you have a resume, but aren't sure if it's ready to impress. Here's the secret, GW Resume Critic. You can actually submit your resume to this service free of charge, and in a matter of days, will have it either returned or available to be picked up totally edited and assembled to internship perfection! If you have the time, I guarantee you this is worth the trouble. There is a link on GWork to this service!
Field your search. Once your resume is completed, it's time to actually begin your searching. GWork has a bunch of different fields where you can limit the type of results you want; by type of position (intern, part-time, full-time), by field, or by simply typing in keywords. For me, I knew an association I wanted to work for, typed in their acronym, and my dream internship popped up as the first result. Okay, so it might not come that easy for you, and I did continue my searching beyond that first result. If you put in the effort to research around, looking into any results that come up, you can really get a sense of what's out there for you.
Write your (different) cover letters. The cover letter was a concept most foreign to me until this summer, when I realized that all the internships I wanted to apply for required them. If you're as lost as I was, there are even cover letter samples on GWork, so do yourself a favor and look those up. A cover letter is basically an introduction of yourself, why you want this internship, and why the organization or corporation should spend their time considering you. Follow the parameters and they are pretty easy to create, but you DO have to change them for each internship. Try to avoid something generic that you can just insert the name into, because too often do people accidentally send cover letters with a different corporation's name in them. Try not to learn from experience on that one.
Go on interviews. From here on out, it's all you. You put yourself and your experience out there, and you should start hearing back from places you've applied. Be sure to be cordial and speedy in any email or phone contact back and forth, and set up an interview time you can actually get to, not one you'll have to race from your 11:10 to make. Then it's all about selling yourself. So, to do that, you need to know yourself. Know your strengths, know where you want to improve, know what you want out of a specific internship and why you're the right person for it. Give honest, truthful answers instead of formulaic, general ones, and paired with a solid resume you will have an offer in no time.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how I did it. I hope that the process goes as smoothly for you as it did for me, and if you need any more advice on how to snag a great internship, you can email me at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu. Also, use your professors and classmates! Students often get internships through networking within the GW community, so don't be scared to put yourself out there a little. Hopefully I'll soon see you on the metro on your way to work. :)
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Let's talk about internships, because honestly, that's what everyone is talking about. Internships are a huge part of life here at GW, because we are a school that's all about hands-on experience. One of my draws to the university, which goes for most people who commit here, is the fact that you not only get to have the city at your disposal, but you can utilize its resources to get some real, quality resume-boosters while you're a full time student! But, if you're anything like me, the sheer multitude of internships may be enough to scare you into another semester of solely classwork. Here's how I did it, and if you follow the same path, I promise it's virtually foolproof.
Use GWork. This is a service I always have to talk up on my tours, but I'll be honest in admitting I never used it prior to this summer. As I wasn't under Federal Work Study or in need of a steady job while I was at school last year, GWork was something totally under my radar. But as the summer was winding down and I realized I'd be a sophomore in a matter of weeks, I realized it was time to get serious about interning. I signed into GWork, and started from the beginning. Here's the link.
Polish your resume. If you want the high-class internship of your dreams, it usually all starts with a really tight resume. Don't have a resume? Don't be embarrassed, I only made mine this summer so I could get summer work. Lucky for you, there are sample resumes on the GWork website to help you out. More often than not, though, you have a resume, but aren't sure if it's ready to impress. Here's the secret, GW Resume Critic. You can actually submit your resume to this service free of charge, and in a matter of days, will have it either returned or available to be picked up totally edited and assembled to internship perfection! If you have the time, I guarantee you this is worth the trouble. There is a link on GWork to this service!
Field your search. Once your resume is completed, it's time to actually begin your searching. GWork has a bunch of different fields where you can limit the type of results you want; by type of position (intern, part-time, full-time), by field, or by simply typing in keywords. For me, I knew an association I wanted to work for, typed in their acronym, and my dream internship popped up as the first result. Okay, so it might not come that easy for you, and I did continue my searching beyond that first result. If you put in the effort to research around, looking into any results that come up, you can really get a sense of what's out there for you.
Write your (different) cover letters. The cover letter was a concept most foreign to me until this summer, when I realized that all the internships I wanted to apply for required them. If you're as lost as I was, there are even cover letter samples on GWork, so do yourself a favor and look those up. A cover letter is basically an introduction of yourself, why you want this internship, and why the organization or corporation should spend their time considering you. Follow the parameters and they are pretty easy to create, but you DO have to change them for each internship. Try to avoid something generic that you can just insert the name into, because too often do people accidentally send cover letters with a different corporation's name in them. Try not to learn from experience on that one.
Go on interviews. From here on out, it's all you. You put yourself and your experience out there, and you should start hearing back from places you've applied. Be sure to be cordial and speedy in any email or phone contact back and forth, and set up an interview time you can actually get to, not one you'll have to race from your 11:10 to make. Then it's all about selling yourself. So, to do that, you need to know yourself. Know your strengths, know where you want to improve, know what you want out of a specific internship and why you're the right person for it. Give honest, truthful answers instead of formulaic, general ones, and paired with a solid resume you will have an offer in no time.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how I did it. I hope that the process goes as smoothly for you as it did for me, and if you need any more advice on how to snag a great internship, you can email me at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu. Also, use your professors and classmates! Students often get internships through networking within the GW community, so don't be scared to put yourself out there a little. Hopefully I'll soon see you on the metro on your way to work. :)
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The Infamous "Org Fair" And the Deal
AND showcase was a success!
I hope if you're on campus you came out to see a tremendous night of performance alla GW, and for all the prospectives remember this night! All the groups were phenomenal, and I think we really gave freshmen a taste of what we're all about (the booths were crazy afterwards). If you're into showing FPP some love, here are some pictures and BA-DUM-BA! a video of our quite enthusiastic performance. Hope you all can do the time warp.
Freshmen and anyone particularly enthused by last night's performances, tonight's the Student Organization Fair, which I'm sure you've all heard about. So, what's up? Well, that's where you'll get a chance to talk to and meet all the student organizations here on campus. From the performance groups in showcase, to Greek life and cultural societies, GW has over 400 organizations for you to choose from. How do you pick what to dive into, you might ask? Well, can't pick until you know what they're about!
And here's the thing about getting involved on campus: that's what is going to make your experience here at GW. I have found my family within the student theatre community, where will yours be? Even if you've felt so far that it's been hard to adjust or make friends, slipping right into an activity you are passionate about will open the doorway to a whole circle of people who may end up being the heart and soul of your time at GW. I guarantee you, it's worth stopping by, so stop reading my ramblings and get involved!
Look for me at the FPP booth tonight, and of course, email me your life stories here: gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu.
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
I hope if you're on campus you came out to see a tremendous night of performance alla GW, and for all the prospectives remember this night! All the groups were phenomenal, and I think we really gave freshmen a taste of what we're all about (the booths were crazy afterwards). If you're into showing FPP some love, here are some pictures and BA-DUM-BA! a video of our quite enthusiastic performance. Hope you all can do the time warp.
And here's the thing about getting involved on campus: that's what is going to make your experience here at GW. I have found my family within the student theatre community, where will yours be? Even if you've felt so far that it's been hard to adjust or make friends, slipping right into an activity you are passionate about will open the doorway to a whole circle of people who may end up being the heart and soul of your time at GW. I guarantee you, it's worth stopping by, so stop reading my ramblings and get involved!
Look for me at the FPP booth tonight, and of course, email me your life stories here: gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu.
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Back on Campus.
Hello, all!
Well, I am FINALLY back home here at good old GW and I'm blogging now from my UNBELIEVABLE suite in the lovely sophomore dorm West End. Once I get around to uploading the pictures from my iPhone, I will post so you can see the wonderful place I now get to call home. :)
As you may imagine, the first few days here on campus have been very choatic. With the hurricane drama, I ended up coming down to the district on Friday and unloading everything during a beautiful summer day. The sensation of being back on campus, walking around the streets again and re-remembering the nooks and crannies and shortcuts, is truly indescribable. But unfortunately, I haven't just been able to sit back and adore being back, I've been unbelievably busy!
As part of this year's Forbidden Planet Production (my theatre company)'s board, I was asked to participate in a number for Welcome Week Showcase. I remember my own experience at Showcase last year on the first Monday of Welcome Week, seeing all the performance groups strut their stuff for the first time. I think that was the moment I realized I couldn't not be part of student theatre here. Hopefully, we'll have the same effect on the new freshmen, as we've been working hard to impress. Despite Irene's wrath we had two hours-long rehearsals, but it is truly worth it to be back with the company and performing again. We've put together a really tremendous re-vamped and 80's themed Time Warp, so PLEASE come on down to Lisner tomorrow at 7 and check us out (we're in the second act!)
Outside of rehearsal, there is also a board meeting tonight, I have been fighting endlessly with GW1X since I do terribly with both technology and change and now they are combined, and we've been checking out the new eateries. With the addition of the new Square 54 hotspot, we have gained Circa, Sweet Green and Roti here on campus, all of which have been fabulous. And lucky for me, they're right across the street! Whole Foods is slated to open September 6, and I am a bit too excited to be able to grab groceries directly across the street from me. Despite how busy it is here, things could not be better in my great new dorm with my tremendous roommates and being back at my favorite place. We could not have a better setup here.
How are your first few days going? Talk to me at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu. Classes begin tomorrow, and I have a lot in store for the next few days. Can't wait to bring you all along for the ride!
See you on campus,
Gina Michele
Well, I am FINALLY back home here at good old GW and I'm blogging now from my UNBELIEVABLE suite in the lovely sophomore dorm West End. Once I get around to uploading the pictures from my iPhone, I will post so you can see the wonderful place I now get to call home. :)
As you may imagine, the first few days here on campus have been very choatic. With the hurricane drama, I ended up coming down to the district on Friday and unloading everything during a beautiful summer day. The sensation of being back on campus, walking around the streets again and re-remembering the nooks and crannies and shortcuts, is truly indescribable. But unfortunately, I haven't just been able to sit back and adore being back, I've been unbelievably busy!
As part of this year's Forbidden Planet Production (my theatre company)'s board, I was asked to participate in a number for Welcome Week Showcase. I remember my own experience at Showcase last year on the first Monday of Welcome Week, seeing all the performance groups strut their stuff for the first time. I think that was the moment I realized I couldn't not be part of student theatre here. Hopefully, we'll have the same effect on the new freshmen, as we've been working hard to impress. Despite Irene's wrath we had two hours-long rehearsals, but it is truly worth it to be back with the company and performing again. We've put together a really tremendous re-vamped and 80's themed Time Warp, so PLEASE come on down to Lisner tomorrow at 7 and check us out (we're in the second act!)
Outside of rehearsal, there is also a board meeting tonight, I have been fighting endlessly with GW1X since I do terribly with both technology and change and now they are combined, and we've been checking out the new eateries. With the addition of the new Square 54 hotspot, we have gained Circa, Sweet Green and Roti here on campus, all of which have been fabulous. And lucky for me, they're right across the street! Whole Foods is slated to open September 6, and I am a bit too excited to be able to grab groceries directly across the street from me. Despite how busy it is here, things could not be better in my great new dorm with my tremendous roommates and being back at my favorite place. We could not have a better setup here.
How are your first few days going? Talk to me at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu. Classes begin tomorrow, and I have a lot in store for the next few days. Can't wait to bring you all along for the ride!
See you on campus,
Gina Michele
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The Goodbye Part.
To my dearly beloved GDub community,
Well, don't I have to start out with a massive apology?! I have left you all completely factoid-less for months now! I greatly apologize for my absence, but I got myself VERY caught up in the GW world and then trying to extricate myself from it for the summer. The good news? Since I've been a bit AWOL, there are tons of things I can write to you all about, so PLEASE keep checking back - the updates will be frequent here on out (seriously, though)!
I write to you now from my childhood bedroom on my last night at home before I'm back to the district. For anyone who knows me, it will come as no surprise that I am feeling disgustingly sentimental, as I always am at pivotal moments such as these. I feel like all of it should be eerily familiar, with the echoes of one year ago in the same rushed-hugs, spit-up goodbyes, loaded cars and tears on the driveway. But somehow, I feel not as if I am just going back to college once again, but that I am going home.
This is what I can tell you, and it is probably the best advice I can give anyone, as I'm sure you read this amidst breaks from stuffing your minivans or stocking the fridge in your dorm room. It is more important than talking to you about admissions or my summer job or how to get involved on campus. College is the first brand new world you get, and you never get to relive stepping into it twice. I won't give the "appreciate it, it goes too fast" sermon, as I know every friend, relative and estranged middle school friends' parents have told you. But truly, it is all very fleeting and this is the moment where you get to create your own new world. It's terrifying, it makes your stomach curl, makes you feel bile in your throat, but it is exhilarating and pulsing and like ripping off old skin. There is no other freshman year, and you can take that truth from me.
But, I digress - I do not aim to depress. Yes, you only get to be a freshman once, and while I encourage with all of my being that you live it the way you always wanted to live your old life, there is something to look forward to: being a sophomore. And I mean that. Because here I am, after a year that changed my life, and I truly feel like I am going home. I have a best friend as a roommate and a beautiful dorm-apartment to make my own, I live in the epicenter of Foggy Bottom like I had daydreamed of all through my freshman year, I am on the board of the theatre company that welcomed me with open arms, I have rehearsals this weekend and reunions with my college friends at night, I have an interview Monday for my dream internship along with my first slew of classes and gym routine, all amongst going back to talking to you all from behind my computer screen or walking backwards through campus. I have made for myself the most inexplicably perfected brand new world, and the only thing better than building it is now coming home to it.
As always, I am here, new freshmen, prospective ones as well, or the rest of the GDub community, so I give you my ears: write me at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu. To all the prospectives-turned-colonials I will be welcoming onto campus this weekend, we are so happy you've joined us.
Thank you GW for all I have gotten.
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Well, don't I have to start out with a massive apology?! I have left you all completely factoid-less for months now! I greatly apologize for my absence, but I got myself VERY caught up in the GW world and then trying to extricate myself from it for the summer. The good news? Since I've been a bit AWOL, there are tons of things I can write to you all about, so PLEASE keep checking back - the updates will be frequent here on out (seriously, though)!
I write to you now from my childhood bedroom on my last night at home before I'm back to the district. For anyone who knows me, it will come as no surprise that I am feeling disgustingly sentimental, as I always am at pivotal moments such as these. I feel like all of it should be eerily familiar, with the echoes of one year ago in the same rushed-hugs, spit-up goodbyes, loaded cars and tears on the driveway. But somehow, I feel not as if I am just going back to college once again, but that I am going home.
This is what I can tell you, and it is probably the best advice I can give anyone, as I'm sure you read this amidst breaks from stuffing your minivans or stocking the fridge in your dorm room. It is more important than talking to you about admissions or my summer job or how to get involved on campus. College is the first brand new world you get, and you never get to relive stepping into it twice. I won't give the "appreciate it, it goes too fast" sermon, as I know every friend, relative and estranged middle school friends' parents have told you. But truly, it is all very fleeting and this is the moment where you get to create your own new world. It's terrifying, it makes your stomach curl, makes you feel bile in your throat, but it is exhilarating and pulsing and like ripping off old skin. There is no other freshman year, and you can take that truth from me.
But, I digress - I do not aim to depress. Yes, you only get to be a freshman once, and while I encourage with all of my being that you live it the way you always wanted to live your old life, there is something to look forward to: being a sophomore. And I mean that. Because here I am, after a year that changed my life, and I truly feel like I am going home. I have a best friend as a roommate and a beautiful dorm-apartment to make my own, I live in the epicenter of Foggy Bottom like I had daydreamed of all through my freshman year, I am on the board of the theatre company that welcomed me with open arms, I have rehearsals this weekend and reunions with my college friends at night, I have an interview Monday for my dream internship along with my first slew of classes and gym routine, all amongst going back to talking to you all from behind my computer screen or walking backwards through campus. I have made for myself the most inexplicably perfected brand new world, and the only thing better than building it is now coming home to it.
As always, I am here, new freshmen, prospective ones as well, or the rest of the GDub community, so I give you my ears: write me at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu. To all the prospectives-turned-colonials I will be welcoming onto campus this weekend, we are so happy you've joined us.
Thank you GW for all I have gotten.
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Getting the Theatre Question
The crowds are swarming in like it's Disney Land here at GW during the North East's February break.
Alright, not quite. But things are pretty hectic here on campus, especially for a tour guide. We're all picking up extra tours, sporting our name-tags a few times a week to give our beloved GW spiel. And with the tours come the questions. I was lucky enough, on a 30-person tour, to get my all-time favorite question, "How does Student Theatre work here at GW?" "You have asked the right person", I get to say. For those who are interested, here goes the GW Theatre set.
GW has a Theatre and Dance Department, and they usually do roughly two shows a semester in the Betts Marvin Theatre inside the Marvin Center. However, it is even more prevalent and popular on campus to get your theatre fix not through the department, but through student theatre. We have three resident theatre companies on campus: Generic Theatre Company, Forbidden Planet Productions and 14th Grade Players. The companies are self-sufficient, but we all lend a helping hand to one another here and they tend to advocate for the others' productions. While it is common to do shows cross-companies, they have "types" of shows they are known to put up: Generic leans towards straight plays, FPP towards musicals, and 14th towards Shakespeare and farce. Not to say they don't stray; those are just more of the norm.
Each company has its own student board of directors, ranging from the top Executive Producers to Associate Producers who function almost like interns under another board member, chosen by the current board through applications. These people make the magic happen. They run the productions, from the budget to the space to the costumes. And who chooses the shows? That's what makes student theatre unique.
We have a proposal program in student theatre, where fellow students get to propose a show that they would like to direct the following semester. All proposees go through a rigorous process, including interviewing, blocking demonstrations, lighting and set designs, etc. The most convincing proposals are selected by the boards of whatever company it is proposed to, and they announce their next 3-4 show season. In other words, you are choosing the shows that you are performing in.
The actors range from theatre majors to the occasional graduate student trying their hand. You have seasoned thespians - the Drama Club kings and queens of high schools abound - and newbies who are looking for a place to meet some new people. The community is welcoming and open to both. Student Theatre requires no prior experience, just enthusiasm and an audition, usually consisting of a cold reading (meaning part of the script that you are given day of). The audition process is very casual and informal and certainly not intimidating, and if and when you're cast in a production, you are enveloped in a new community. Rehearsals are usually at night, anywhere from 7 PM to midnight, and usually take place in open classrooms in Rome Phillips hall - the Columbian College center - or residence hall basements. The productions go up in either the Lisner Downstage on Foggy Bottom, or Pelham Theatre on the Mount Vernon campus, both fully-equipped black box theatre that scream student theatre.
So, why do it? For the experience is the best way I can answer. The term "cast bonding" is thrown around campus a lot, which consists of the cast of a show getting together outside of rehearsals to hang out and get to know each other on a more personal level. Cast parties after openings are usually free-for-alls for the entire theatre community. The underlying theme of the whole process is not about busting students to a flawless production; it's more about the experience, the laughs, and the fun in the journey. Basically, they're here to have fun - your director, your Executive Producer and other board members, your castmates, and beyond. And it's not just limited to actors - those who can work tech, lighting and sound are jewels to the companies, and you will be regaled as high, if not higher, than the kids reciting lines beneath the lights. There is a place for everyone, and I think that's why we all do it - we belong somewhere.
Anything I missed that you want to know about what we do? Interested in joining the community? Show me love at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu. I should probably go run my lines. ;)
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Balancing Act
If you're a student at GW, most likely, that's not all you are. We're all a little bit Type-A here, so you're often sitting in class with someone who's also working an internship, or playing two sports, or working in Eckles. The greatest skill you can learn before going to and while at college is how to balance yourself. Because here, it's all a balancing act.
These days, I'm working the magic of having to be in several places at once. Cabaret has since closed after a phenomenal run. We sold out every show! Just when you think I'd be taking a hiatus from theatre, I'm back in a new production, this time Bat Boy: The Musical. What can I say? I can't keep myself separated from GW Theatre more than a week at a time, I suppose. So, I'm back into rehearsals-land, which, despite the show not opening till April, I have several times a week.
On the other side of the theatre spectrum, I am not just occupied here at GW. I was and am a professional playwright back in home, sweet, home New York, and did not leave that life entirely behind me once I came to school. Back at home, my original musical "6" that I co-wrote with a fellow Long Island-er is opening for a mainstage production the first two weekends at March. So, while I should have a day off for President's Day weekend, I'm shipping back up to New York to meet my cast and sit in on rehearsals, and then am heading back again to be there for hell week and opening. Going to be in New York in early March, or just interested? Here's a link to the center: http://web.me.com/capcenter/Site/Shows.html.
Back here at GDub, tour season is picking up, and we're getting our numbers back in the hundreds again, though I have to play a bit of musical tours with my hectic schedule. I'm also going through interviews for a job at admissions, which has kept me occupied as well. Not to mention my schoolwork (can't forget that now, can we?) - it's a bit of a juggling show here.
Despite the few hours I have to myself, I find myself in a nice routine of class, meals with friends, daily gym workouts, and rehearsals in the evening. I'll be the first to say that I love having somewhere to be at all hours of the day, which seems to be a quality of a lot of the student population here. My advice to you? Keep yourself busy to keep yourself feeling purposeful, but don't overfill your plate. As for me? Let's see how I manage between the school-rehearsals-"6"-work circus. Equally as involved, or interested in how to become so? Emails are always welcome: gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu.
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
These days, I'm working the magic of having to be in several places at once. Cabaret has since closed after a phenomenal run. We sold out every show! Just when you think I'd be taking a hiatus from theatre, I'm back in a new production, this time Bat Boy: The Musical. What can I say? I can't keep myself separated from GW Theatre more than a week at a time, I suppose. So, I'm back into rehearsals-land, which, despite the show not opening till April, I have several times a week.
On the other side of the theatre spectrum, I am not just occupied here at GW. I was and am a professional playwright back in home, sweet, home New York, and did not leave that life entirely behind me once I came to school. Back at home, my original musical "6" that I co-wrote with a fellow Long Island-er is opening for a mainstage production the first two weekends at March. So, while I should have a day off for President's Day weekend, I'm shipping back up to New York to meet my cast and sit in on rehearsals, and then am heading back again to be there for hell week and opening. Going to be in New York in early March, or just interested? Here's a link to the center: http://web.me.com/capcenter/Site/Shows.html.
Back here at GDub, tour season is picking up, and we're getting our numbers back in the hundreds again, though I have to play a bit of musical tours with my hectic schedule. I'm also going through interviews for a job at admissions, which has kept me occupied as well. Not to mention my schoolwork (can't forget that now, can we?) - it's a bit of a juggling show here.
Despite the few hours I have to myself, I find myself in a nice routine of class, meals with friends, daily gym workouts, and rehearsals in the evening. I'll be the first to say that I love having somewhere to be at all hours of the day, which seems to be a quality of a lot of the student population here. My advice to you? Keep yourself busy to keep yourself feeling purposeful, but don't overfill your plate. As for me? Let's see how I manage between the school-rehearsals-"6"-work circus. Equally as involved, or interested in how to become so? Emails are always welcome: gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu.
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Friday, February 4, 2011
Opening Night!
Hello, wide world of GDub! Today was opening night of the 5th Annual Musical Cabaret alla FPP here on the Mount Vernon campus in Pelham theatre. After our hectic hell week doing several runs a night, we were all excited to finally get a full audience. We had, as all student theatre shows do, set up a Pre-Sale table outside the Marvin Center, where you can buy a ticket in advance (normally we allot half of the seats to Pre-Sale). While each show usually gets three days of selling pre-sale, we sold out in the first forty five minutes! Unbelievable.
Tonight, at the theatre, instead of waiting on line to get a ticket, we had to give out numbers because there were just too many people trying to get a seat. I had friends getting numbers as high as 85. We oversold completely, selling even the floor space. The house sat around ninety people.
Backstage, we were thrilled for the success. The Cabaret is always a big money maker, because it has a monstrous cast and no royalty fees to pay. And to be honest, there's no experience quite like doing a show with seventy people. I, let it be known, played a hooker in Skid Row from Little Shop of Horrors. Check out the transformation:
Got an hour this weekend? Come down and see the show! If I play a prostitute, you gotta believe it's pretty entertaining. Friday at 7 and 10; Saturday at 6:30 and 8. Be there at least forty five minutes early and get ready to start pushing ;)
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Tonight, at the theatre, instead of waiting on line to get a ticket, we had to give out numbers because there were just too many people trying to get a seat. I had friends getting numbers as high as 85. We oversold completely, selling even the floor space. The house sat around ninety people.
Backstage, we were thrilled for the success. The Cabaret is always a big money maker, because it has a monstrous cast and no royalty fees to pay. And to be honest, there's no experience quite like doing a show with seventy people. I, let it be known, played a hooker in Skid Row from Little Shop of Horrors. Check out the transformation:
Washington, D.C.
Down on Skid Row
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Monday, January 31, 2011
Quick Catch-Up
My SINCEREST apologies, GDub Blog, for my unexplained absence. It's already been a really chaotic semester! Let me catch you up on life here at GW.
Getting full swing into the semester, we're all starting to feel the pressure of the workload. I've written my first paper, handed in my first assignments, got my first grades back. But stepping back from the academics, GW Theatre has been alive and kicking the past few weeks! Two weekends ago, we had two phenomenal shows open - William Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors, a classic farse about separated twins and mixed identifies, and Dolly West's Kitchen, a drama set during WWII-America about the conflicts abroad coming into the home. In addition to the two phenomenal plays, receSs, the resident improv troupe here on campus, had their welcome back show that Friday night. In the community, we always say that when we have a jam-packed weekend like that, that it's a "great weekend for GW theatre." And that it certainly was.
This past week has been devoted to two things: rehearsing/auditions, and snow. With the opening and therefore closing of shows, there comes the rounds of auditions. The two companies whose shows went up two weekends ago held auditions this week for the new round of productions. But for me, I'm already part of Forbidden Planet Production's (one of the resident companies) 5th Annual Musical Cabaret, which is opening this coming weekend. It's a series of 11 individual numbers, with an over 70-person cast! So I've been spending my nights in rehearsals once again, like last semester, and I could not be happier to be back in the schedule of class-homework-rehearsals.
That being said, I'm sure you've heard of the snow incident we had this past week at GW. Living on the Mount Vernon campus, I had my own unique experience. We had a power outage go almost twenty four hours, that left 200,000 people in the DC area without power. But college students know how to handle stress, so we immediately banded together and began playing hide and seek in the basements here in West Hall. The next morning, the Vernites braved the shuttles to get down to Foggy Bottom, going to whatever classes weren't cancelled or, like me and my friends, holing up in Gelman to charge our electronics (a GW student cannot function without their trusty Blackberry/iPhone/Macbook). But don't worry, it was quickly restored; no harm done.
Now, this week, for me, is about Cabaret. It is hell week, so we have long hours of rehearsals down in the West Hall theatre on the Mount Vernon campus. I apologize for disappearing, followers, and I promise to check in more this week about the show, and of course blog about its opening!
Going to be around? Come check out the show!
Thursday, February 3rd @ 8 PM
Friday, February 4th @ 7 and 10
Saturday, February 5th @ 6:30 and 8
Only $5! Be sure to get here early - it looks like it'll be a full house. Or get your pre-sales outside the Marvin Center to assure yourself a seat.
Alright, enough shameless advertising. ;)
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Getting full swing into the semester, we're all starting to feel the pressure of the workload. I've written my first paper, handed in my first assignments, got my first grades back. But stepping back from the academics, GW Theatre has been alive and kicking the past few weeks! Two weekends ago, we had two phenomenal shows open - William Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors, a classic farse about separated twins and mixed identifies, and Dolly West's Kitchen, a drama set during WWII-America about the conflicts abroad coming into the home. In addition to the two phenomenal plays, receSs, the resident improv troupe here on campus, had their welcome back show that Friday night. In the community, we always say that when we have a jam-packed weekend like that, that it's a "great weekend for GW theatre." And that it certainly was.
This past week has been devoted to two things: rehearsing/auditions, and snow. With the opening and therefore closing of shows, there comes the rounds of auditions. The two companies whose shows went up two weekends ago held auditions this week for the new round of productions. But for me, I'm already part of Forbidden Planet Production's (one of the resident companies) 5th Annual Musical Cabaret, which is opening this coming weekend. It's a series of 11 individual numbers, with an over 70-person cast! So I've been spending my nights in rehearsals once again, like last semester, and I could not be happier to be back in the schedule of class-homework-rehearsals.
That being said, I'm sure you've heard of the snow incident we had this past week at GW. Living on the Mount Vernon campus, I had my own unique experience. We had a power outage go almost twenty four hours, that left 200,000 people in the DC area without power. But college students know how to handle stress, so we immediately banded together and began playing hide and seek in the basements here in West Hall. The next morning, the Vernites braved the shuttles to get down to Foggy Bottom, going to whatever classes weren't cancelled or, like me and my friends, holing up in Gelman to charge our electronics (a GW student cannot function without their trusty Blackberry/iPhone/Macbook). But don't worry, it was quickly restored; no harm done.
Now, this week, for me, is about Cabaret. It is hell week, so we have long hours of rehearsals down in the West Hall theatre on the Mount Vernon campus. I apologize for disappearing, followers, and I promise to check in more this week about the show, and of course blog about its opening!
Going to be around? Come check out the show!
Thursday, February 3rd @ 8 PM
Friday, February 4th @ 7 and 10
Saturday, February 5th @ 6:30 and 8
Only $5! Be sure to get here early - it looks like it'll be a full house. Or get your pre-sales outside the Marvin Center to assure yourself a seat.
Alright, enough shameless advertising. ;)
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Breaking Down the Dreaded "GCR"
One of the big deal-breakers for seniors making their college choices are the General Curriculum Requirements. And, sorry to break the news, but unless you're going to Brown or a very liberal, quasi-hippy school out West, almost every school has some sort of core. Lucky for you, loyal followers of the GDub blog, our university is pretty lenient about what they tell you to take and, believe it or not, it usually ends up working in your favor. So, let me give you the lowdown - no smoke and mirrors, I promise - about how this stuff actually works. (Trust me, you'll thank me when you don't end up at a school asking you to take a bunch of mandatory Christianity courses).
Here's the most important thing. There is no one class that GW tells every student they MUST take. Your requirements differ depending on the school you apply to. "But what if," prospective students often ask, "I enter GW in one school and end up wanting to be in another?" Do not fret, because people are changing schools here all the time, as it is very natural for your college major to change. Once you switch schools, your GCRs just change. There seems to be some overlap, though, so don't worry that the classes you took so far were all for naught (that's why GW doesn't force you into taking super specific courses for your GCRs).
I myself am in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences which, along with being the biggest school at GW, is also where you'll be placed if you're entering undecided. For this reason particularly, the GCRs for CCAS, as we call it, are pretty broad and vague, but split into 7 categories to help navigate you towards what you'll eventually want to be your major. Even if you're like me and are totally set on a major, the GCRs help you to remain well-rounded and not end up taking 5 classes a semester in psychology (which, believe me, I would do). It breaks down like this: three writing courses (your University Writing and two Writing in the Disciplines, which I'll explain later), two math courses, two natural lab sciences, two social/behavioral sciences, one creative/performing art, four humanities, and two foreign language/culture courses. Now, you might be saying, hold up, those are a lot of requirements. But, it's actually really doable. A lot of the courses overlap into two requirements, and most of you come in boasting AP or IB scores, which can sometimes give you credit out on a course-by-course basis. I'm a double major, and I still don't find it too challenging to get in my GCRs -- sometimes, I forget that certain courses I'd already be taking are counting towards them!
The other most popular school here at GW, the Elliott School for International Affairs, has a different system. As a basis for the Elliott School, students are asked to take five specific courses within their first two years: Intro to International Affairs, Micro and Macroeconomics, Intro to Comparative Politics, and World History. You're asked for one intro course in either Anthropology, Geography, or Political Science. Also required are the University Writing, the two Writing in the Disciplines, two maths or sciences, and three humanities. Elliott School students must demonstrate third-year proficiency in a foreign language. More specific, yes, but when you're in a school of people all studying a single major, you don't have as much legroom. Still, since the requirements are done in the first two years, you have a lot of freedom in course selection, which is what it is all about.
As for the School of Business, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, School of Medicine and Health Services, and School of Public Health and Health Services, the curriculums are specific to the major, but if you fall into one of these schools, feel free to browse the University Bulletin: http://www.gwu.edu/~bulletin. You'll find the specifics laid out there.
Now, for that University Writing you hear so much about -- this is the one course that all undergraduate freshman have in common. It's basically your standard freshman college writing course, but instead of all being mandated to take the same one, there are usually about 20 sections each semester on different writing topics. Selections this semester range from Hipsterism in the American Culture 1940-Present to The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict to It's a Mad, Mad World: Writing About AMC's TV Series Mad Men. I currently take The End: Writing About Death, Dying and the Dead and am absolutely in love with it; I waited to take my UW this semester specifically because I couldn't get a spot in the class last semester. After completing UW, every student moves on to their Writing in the Disciplines (or WIDs). This is any class that offers a strong writing component as opposed to a more exam-based format. Any class that is considered a WID will have a W next to it on the schedule of classes, so you could be taking a random Anthropology course and it count for your WID. Want more guidance? Check out fellow blogger Shireen's post on WIDs: She's a sophomore, so you can take her word over mine - a lowly freshman!
The bottom line about GW: we're not forcing you into anything. At some universities, students feel their hands are tied as they try to complete a maddening amount of GCRs, or the demanding well-rounded program of a small, liberal arts school. Here, we are given some guidelines but ultimately are choosing our courses, and the curriculums that are in place help to guide students toward what they really want to do - or even just something they didn't know they enjoyed. My genuine interest in astronomy has been sparked due to my science requirement, and I find myself strangely excited to take a sociology class and compare it to my psychology classes.
Whether you're positive or completely clueless about what you want to study for the next four years, GW's a great place to do it. Any questions about GCRs or beyond? Get at me at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu. I promise, I don't bite. :)
See you on campus,
Gina Michele
Here's the most important thing. There is no one class that GW tells every student they MUST take. Your requirements differ depending on the school you apply to. "But what if," prospective students often ask, "I enter GW in one school and end up wanting to be in another?" Do not fret, because people are changing schools here all the time, as it is very natural for your college major to change. Once you switch schools, your GCRs just change. There seems to be some overlap, though, so don't worry that the classes you took so far were all for naught (that's why GW doesn't force you into taking super specific courses for your GCRs).
I myself am in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences which, along with being the biggest school at GW, is also where you'll be placed if you're entering undecided. For this reason particularly, the GCRs for CCAS, as we call it, are pretty broad and vague, but split into 7 categories to help navigate you towards what you'll eventually want to be your major. Even if you're like me and are totally set on a major, the GCRs help you to remain well-rounded and not end up taking 5 classes a semester in psychology (which, believe me, I would do). It breaks down like this: three writing courses (your University Writing and two Writing in the Disciplines, which I'll explain later), two math courses, two natural lab sciences, two social/behavioral sciences, one creative/performing art, four humanities, and two foreign language/culture courses. Now, you might be saying, hold up, those are a lot of requirements. But, it's actually really doable. A lot of the courses overlap into two requirements, and most of you come in boasting AP or IB scores, which can sometimes give you credit out on a course-by-course basis. I'm a double major, and I still don't find it too challenging to get in my GCRs -- sometimes, I forget that certain courses I'd already be taking are counting towards them!
The other most popular school here at GW, the Elliott School for International Affairs, has a different system. As a basis for the Elliott School, students are asked to take five specific courses within their first two years: Intro to International Affairs, Micro and Macroeconomics, Intro to Comparative Politics, and World History. You're asked for one intro course in either Anthropology, Geography, or Political Science. Also required are the University Writing, the two Writing in the Disciplines, two maths or sciences, and three humanities. Elliott School students must demonstrate third-year proficiency in a foreign language. More specific, yes, but when you're in a school of people all studying a single major, you don't have as much legroom. Still, since the requirements are done in the first two years, you have a lot of freedom in course selection, which is what it is all about.
As for the School of Business, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, School of Medicine and Health Services, and School of Public Health and Health Services, the curriculums are specific to the major, but if you fall into one of these schools, feel free to browse the University Bulletin: http://www.gwu.edu/~bulletin. You'll find the specifics laid out there.
Now, for that University Writing you hear so much about -- this is the one course that all undergraduate freshman have in common. It's basically your standard freshman college writing course, but instead of all being mandated to take the same one, there are usually about 20 sections each semester on different writing topics. Selections this semester range from Hipsterism in the American Culture 1940-Present to The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict to It's a Mad, Mad World: Writing About AMC's TV Series Mad Men. I currently take The End: Writing About Death, Dying and the Dead and am absolutely in love with it; I waited to take my UW this semester specifically because I couldn't get a spot in the class last semester. After completing UW, every student moves on to their Writing in the Disciplines (or WIDs). This is any class that offers a strong writing component as opposed to a more exam-based format. Any class that is considered a WID will have a W next to it on the schedule of classes, so you could be taking a random Anthropology course and it count for your WID. Want more guidance? Check out fellow blogger Shireen's post on WIDs: She's a sophomore, so you can take her word over mine - a lowly freshman!
The bottom line about GW: we're not forcing you into anything. At some universities, students feel their hands are tied as they try to complete a maddening amount of GCRs, or the demanding well-rounded program of a small, liberal arts school. Here, we are given some guidelines but ultimately are choosing our courses, and the curriculums that are in place help to guide students toward what they really want to do - or even just something they didn't know they enjoyed. My genuine interest in astronomy has been sparked due to my science requirement, and I find myself strangely excited to take a sociology class and compare it to my psychology classes.
Whether you're positive or completely clueless about what you want to study for the next four years, GW's a great place to do it. Any questions about GCRs or beyond? Get at me at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu. I promise, I don't bite. :)
See you on campus,
Gina Michele
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Freshman Return
What a strange feeling it is to be back on the GW campus! I hope you all had some phenomenal time off, for my fellow GW students. I know my break was the perfect chance to recharge for this semester. I'm still not over the fact that I am now a second semester freshman, though. Can't get that through my head.
First off, congratulations for getting your applications in! Admissions is hard at work until April with what you've sent in. You're one step closer to joining the Buff and Blue!
What can I say but that I am so happy to be back on campus. I am already off to a really phenomenal semester. I've gone to all five of my classes, and can say honestly that I love every one. This semester, I'm taking Abnormal Psych - which is what I plan to go into as a career - Astronomy 2, Italian 9, Intro to Brit Lit and University Writing; The End: Writing About Death, Dying and the Dead - a class I tried to beg and barter my way into since July. The last one is by far my favorite. For those of you who don't know about the University Writing requirement here at GW, don't fear: I plan on doing another post this week about GCRs and all that good stuff that you have to start thinking about, now that you'll soon be deciding on where you want to go to school! Everyone can tell you about that one totally inspiring class that made their year, and I'm pretty that this semester has mine.
Why else is it great to be back on campus? Well, we've all come back with new resolutions for ourselves. My friends and I are all on a healthier living kick. We all came from backgrounds of a lot of exercising and healthy eating, but after a successful semester of NOT GAINING THE FRESHMAN FIFTEEN! :), we decided to make a more concrete plan. So, we're on to healthier eating - like fruit for breakfast, sushi or salads for lunch, salads and protein for dinner - and a workout schedule everyday. What I love about living in West Hall here on the Vern is that I have both a dining hall and a gym in my dorm, so it makes resolutions like these a lot easier to uphold. If you find yourself back for second semester without any direction, pick out a goal for yourself. It'll force you to have some followthrough, and probably will better yourself in the process.
The other tremendous part about returning to campus is the return to campus life. I've been at meetings all week for my different commitments here on campus and have been reminded of how much I love the things I do. I've been at body meetings for the Student Theatre organizations and have auditions tomorrow and Sunday, and I absolutely cannot wait to start up rehearsals for a new production. I have friends in productions opening as early as next weekend, and we're all going to be out to support the improv group receSs in their Welcome Back show in the next few weeks. We've had our monthly STAR meeting and are preparing for the massive hoards of you coming in the next few months, and I go back to giving regular tours tomorrow at 11 AM. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I am totally nervous - not only have I not given a tour in a month, but it's freezing here in DC and I am totally ill-equipped for the cold. If any of you are making a trip down here, be sure to go to the 11 AM Thursday Foggy Bottom tour and introduce yourselves. We love to hear from you. :)
Great things are coming up on campus, academically and socially, and it feels like such a reward to be back to this phenomenal place. We've been getting great emails from you readers, so keep them coming as we begin to address your greater concerns. This week, I'm going to try to get together some photos of the interiors of freshman dorming, so you can see what your options really look like. Anything else you'd like to hear the freshman perspective on? Shoot me an email at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu. My interactions with readers through email and even through larger networks like Facebook have been great so far!
I can't wait to tell you all more about life on campus as things start picking up. Welcome back!
See you on campus,
Gina Michele
First off, congratulations for getting your applications in! Admissions is hard at work until April with what you've sent in. You're one step closer to joining the Buff and Blue!
What can I say but that I am so happy to be back on campus. I am already off to a really phenomenal semester. I've gone to all five of my classes, and can say honestly that I love every one. This semester, I'm taking Abnormal Psych - which is what I plan to go into as a career - Astronomy 2, Italian 9, Intro to Brit Lit and University Writing; The End: Writing About Death, Dying and the Dead - a class I tried to beg and barter my way into since July. The last one is by far my favorite. For those of you who don't know about the University Writing requirement here at GW, don't fear: I plan on doing another post this week about GCRs and all that good stuff that you have to start thinking about, now that you'll soon be deciding on where you want to go to school! Everyone can tell you about that one totally inspiring class that made their year, and I'm pretty that this semester has mine.
Why else is it great to be back on campus? Well, we've all come back with new resolutions for ourselves. My friends and I are all on a healthier living kick. We all came from backgrounds of a lot of exercising and healthy eating, but after a successful semester of NOT GAINING THE FRESHMAN FIFTEEN! :), we decided to make a more concrete plan. So, we're on to healthier eating - like fruit for breakfast, sushi or salads for lunch, salads and protein for dinner - and a workout schedule everyday. What I love about living in West Hall here on the Vern is that I have both a dining hall and a gym in my dorm, so it makes resolutions like these a lot easier to uphold. If you find yourself back for second semester without any direction, pick out a goal for yourself. It'll force you to have some followthrough, and probably will better yourself in the process.
The other tremendous part about returning to campus is the return to campus life. I've been at meetings all week for my different commitments here on campus and have been reminded of how much I love the things I do. I've been at body meetings for the Student Theatre organizations and have auditions tomorrow and Sunday, and I absolutely cannot wait to start up rehearsals for a new production. I have friends in productions opening as early as next weekend, and we're all going to be out to support the improv group receSs in their Welcome Back show in the next few weeks. We've had our monthly STAR meeting and are preparing for the massive hoards of you coming in the next few months, and I go back to giving regular tours tomorrow at 11 AM. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I am totally nervous - not only have I not given a tour in a month, but it's freezing here in DC and I am totally ill-equipped for the cold. If any of you are making a trip down here, be sure to go to the 11 AM Thursday Foggy Bottom tour and introduce yourselves. We love to hear from you. :)
Great things are coming up on campus, academically and socially, and it feels like such a reward to be back to this phenomenal place. We've been getting great emails from you readers, so keep them coming as we begin to address your greater concerns. This week, I'm going to try to get together some photos of the interiors of freshman dorming, so you can see what your options really look like. Anything else you'd like to hear the freshman perspective on? Shoot me an email at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu. My interactions with readers through email and even through larger networks like Facebook have been great so far!
I can't wait to tell you all more about life on campus as things start picking up. Welcome back!
See you on campus,
Gina Michele
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The Survival of First Freshman Finals Week
Hello, world wide G-Dub web,
As I sit and write this, I'm currently two hours away from my last final, four hours away from the official end of my first semester of college, and 22 hours away from my flight back to JFK. This finals week has been a period of angst, rage, and distraction, but most importantly, reflection. I figured I'd give you some insight on what it's like to be a freshman experiencing this for the first time.
I spent Sunday night at the student theatre bi-annual prom; a dance they throw together at the end of the semester to celebrate the season -- the successes, the flops, the friendships, and the upcoming season that promises something more. As it was my first Student Theatre Council (STC) prom, I was very much unsure of what to expect, but the festivity was the perfect break from the chaos that is this week, and allowed me to step back and realize the tremendous community I've been welcomed into this semester. As the night winded down and we were eventually walking back to the late shuttle to Mount Vernon, I couldn't help but feel ridiculously lucky for being here, as I so often do, but also so excited that I have this place to come back to in the next few weeks.
Monday, my reading day, I spent with my head in books. I switched off between my Italian verb conjugations and my philosophy readings, and as my hours in self-proclaimed solitude ticked by, I wondered how students with more than two finals were possibly still breathing. After twelve plus hours of being a good student, I emerged from my study session down on Foggy Bottom at around two am. To my shock, there was snow! Here! In Washington D.C., which, for a New Yorker (as is everything below us), is "the South". The streets of GW were absolutely still as I padded fresh prints, that sound being the only thing resonating on campus. There have been few moments of that much peace here at GW, especially with all the commotion that's always taking place here -- ESPECIALLY during finals week. Just as I was getting back to the Vern, my floormate sent me a text saying, "Want to take a walk in the snow?" She met me outside the dorm, and we spent a half hour treading around the VERY silent Vern, breathing in the winter air and reflecting on how now that it'd snowed, we'd had the surreal realization that we actually do live somewhere else now. It was one of the most calming experiences I've had here thusfar.
Tuesday brought my first final, and I shoved as much last-minute studying in as I could before I ran off to Monroe for the first time. I could not get over how DEAD campus felt; the usual liveliness and hustle and bustle of Foggy has temporarily dispersed (unless, of course, you're trying to get into Gelman/bucks). After the final - which I survived, due to my over-studying - I met one of my best college friends at our usual spot for lunch, Au Bon Pain. We shared last minute stories from the Yule Ball on Sunday, talked about our plans for next semester, and how weird it felt to be leaving. I hugged her goodbye -- suddenly, three weeks seems like an eternity. I spent the night with my head in mind--boggling philosophy readings, only breaking to exchange Christmas gifts over a Christmas dinner with my roommates.
Today, I got up at 9 am for the second day in a row to dive right back into studying. Time is moving extraordinarily fast today, as I had to say goodbye to my roommate two hours ago, and was overcome by how sad that was for me. I made her promise she'd come back to GW (which shows you how mindless this week is driving me), and although she's coming to visit my hometown before we come back to school, I actually felt my heart sink over the thought of being separated. It goes to show how much your roommates can become your family if you let them be.
So here I am, two hours from the exam, having done literally all the studying that can possibly be done, and finding myself overcome by feelings of introspection. My advice for you when you're enduring your first finals week? Stay as focused as humanly possible, but DO give yourself breaks. Go to lunch with your friend, visit someone's dorm to watch a movie, take a walk in the snow till 2:30 AM, go to an STC prom ;) Just allow yourself those little moments with your friends before you're off for the first time, because, believe me, the separation comes as a shock at first. And above all, try to reflect a little. Whether it's superficial, on how you've done in classes, or a little deeper, on how you've changed in the past four months that have probably been the most unique four months of your life -- just try to look at yourself from the outside looking in for a moment. That way, you'll know what you want to be for the next semester.
I'm sure this is not the last time you'll hear from me over the next three weeks, avid followers, as I am thoroughly GW-addicted. Plus, I've been getting some really phenomenal emails, so keep those coming and I'll try to blog about them: gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu.
Godspeed to the rest of you still crunching through those finals; we sure need it.
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Monday, December 13, 2010
"The College Choice"
This weekend, I had a friend from back home come to stay the weekend with me. The fact that Molly was willing to take the five hour bus ride from Long Island for me was truly a feat in itself, and I always love having people to show the school I'm so in love with to. She basically let me run her all over campus without restraint for the weekend, but her one request was to show her American University, where she was applying. As I almost went to American and know the campus very well, I agreed.
On Saturday at noon, Molly and I caught the metro to get out to Tenleytown. Little did she know, I found myself nervous to go back to American, because this would be the first time I'd be seeing a school I almost went to since coming to GW. For the record, I can tell you all that no, GW was not my top choice. I was ready to sell my limbs for admission to Brown, where I was denied, along with my second choice of Tufts. I now had seven admissions and financial packages to go over, with no real direction. I went back to visit all the schools, and when I returned to DC, it instantly eliminated my other options as I knew it was the city I was meant to be in. It just came down to GW, full cost, or American, half-tuition paid. I'm not one of the lucky ones with federal financial aid, so I was looking at a pretty penny between undergraduate and my future graduate school. I knew, once I stepped on the GW campus for the second time, that it was the school. There was that feeling they always talk about, and I encourage all of you who ever experience what I'm talking about to grasp it, because that is probably the best indication you'll ever get. It was ultimately my parents who were able to tell me, we know where you want to be, and we know it's hard for you to admit that to us, so we will make that happen for you. And here I am, fairytale ending and all.
Going back to American, although scaring me to death, ultimately was everything I should've known would happen. I got back on campus and suddenly remembered it like the back of my hand, and gave Molly a tour. But as I went through the motions, "this is their dining hall, this is the poli-sci building," it became so clear to me that there was not any morsel of doubt in my mind that I did not choose the right school. I had loved American and it had almost sold me, and I honestly can't really pinpoint what made me choose GW over it, but when you feel it, you feel it, and you just need to ride that out.
I guess the purpose of this rambling self-reflection is that those applying to college now should know that when it's time for you to decide where you want to be for the next four years, more of it may go back to your gut than you think. Sometimes, the school you want is not the "best" choice, or the most "convenient" choice, or not even your first choice. But your collegiate future does not stop at your first-choice rejection. There is a second chance. These days, I don't even think about Brown, and going back to American was further proof that I could not imagine myself walking any other campus, giving any other tours, being in any other classes or theatre communities or dorms. When you're on "your" campus, you're going to feel it in your heart of hearts, and you need to recognize that enough to trust in it. It's terrifying to make the first real decision of your young life, but take it for all it's worth in knowing that you are now the master of your next four years. They can be anything you can dream up, as long as you are ready for them. To be the master of your own fate is easily among the scarier realizations I know, but it's also the most liberating. So talk yourself out of your terror, and let yourself make a decision that may not be the easiest or the most logical, but probably the most rewarding.
Congratulations to the ED applicants that will now be living the dream. We can't wait for you to join us. Any questions about college decision-making, get at me at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu. Emails are like crack for us ;)
See you on campus,
Gina Michele
On Saturday at noon, Molly and I caught the metro to get out to Tenleytown. Little did she know, I found myself nervous to go back to American, because this would be the first time I'd be seeing a school I almost went to since coming to GW. For the record, I can tell you all that no, GW was not my top choice. I was ready to sell my limbs for admission to Brown, where I was denied, along with my second choice of Tufts. I now had seven admissions and financial packages to go over, with no real direction. I went back to visit all the schools, and when I returned to DC, it instantly eliminated my other options as I knew it was the city I was meant to be in. It just came down to GW, full cost, or American, half-tuition paid. I'm not one of the lucky ones with federal financial aid, so I was looking at a pretty penny between undergraduate and my future graduate school. I knew, once I stepped on the GW campus for the second time, that it was the school. There was that feeling they always talk about, and I encourage all of you who ever experience what I'm talking about to grasp it, because that is probably the best indication you'll ever get. It was ultimately my parents who were able to tell me, we know where you want to be, and we know it's hard for you to admit that to us, so we will make that happen for you. And here I am, fairytale ending and all.
Going back to American, although scaring me to death, ultimately was everything I should've known would happen. I got back on campus and suddenly remembered it like the back of my hand, and gave Molly a tour. But as I went through the motions, "this is their dining hall, this is the poli-sci building," it became so clear to me that there was not any morsel of doubt in my mind that I did not choose the right school. I had loved American and it had almost sold me, and I honestly can't really pinpoint what made me choose GW over it, but when you feel it, you feel it, and you just need to ride that out.
I guess the purpose of this rambling self-reflection is that those applying to college now should know that when it's time for you to decide where you want to be for the next four years, more of it may go back to your gut than you think. Sometimes, the school you want is not the "best" choice, or the most "convenient" choice, or not even your first choice. But your collegiate future does not stop at your first-choice rejection. There is a second chance. These days, I don't even think about Brown, and going back to American was further proof that I could not imagine myself walking any other campus, giving any other tours, being in any other classes or theatre communities or dorms. When you're on "your" campus, you're going to feel it in your heart of hearts, and you need to recognize that enough to trust in it. It's terrifying to make the first real decision of your young life, but take it for all it's worth in knowing that you are now the master of your next four years. They can be anything you can dream up, as long as you are ready for them. To be the master of your own fate is easily among the scarier realizations I know, but it's also the most liberating. So talk yourself out of your terror, and let yourself make a decision that may not be the easiest or the most logical, but probably the most rewarding.
Congratulations to the ED applicants that will now be living the dream. We can't wait for you to join us. Any questions about college decision-making, get at me at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu. Emails are like crack for us ;)
See you on campus,
Gina Michele
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Not-So-Hidden Gems of GW
Today, a friend and I decided to meet up for lunch and I offered him the choice of place. Naturally, he chose the place closest so he roll out of bed for our meal together -- Carvings. I was somewhat embarrassed to tell him that I'd been at GW for four months and had never gone in there. While I enjoyed a "Little Italy" Italian sandwich, my mind wandered to a friend from home who'd visited GW and asked what our dining was like, since it seems we have so many options. So, for those curious about what GW has to offer to eat away at those $1,000 of Colonial Cash, here are some "not-so-hidden" gems of GW that are worth dropping by.
Carvings, to start, is nestled next to the underclassmen dorm Potomac. Fare is typical grill entrees; sandwiches, wraps, omelets, etc. The ingredients are pretty fresh -- I was impressed by the tasty tomatoes, as I'm very picky. The fries are delicious, I hear, and they bring in a turkey everyday to make fresh turkey and cranberry sandwiches, but get there before they're out. As expected, it's always filled with GW students, so you're likely to run into a familiar face (I saw a few friends while I was in there for only an hour today). The nice thing about it is there are a few booths, so it's a little cozier than some of the other venues on campus.
GW Deli is a legendary favorite on campus, but I had never understood why. I was encouraged as a tour guide to rave about it, but hadn't ever actually been aside. After being chided by a friend, I ordered a bagel one morning and was SO impressed; being from New York, I never get a bagel outside of my home state. The breakfast sandwiches are delicious, as well, and while you may catch a line that is out the door, don't worry - it goes fast. Stop by to figure out what they're all talking about.
Gallery Cafe is a usual stop for my roommates and I on our morning routes. After my 9:35, I know I can find my roommates in Ivory commons munching on a bacon egg and cheese sandwich from Gallery. It's worth it to try one. Fare is very similar to that of Carvings. If you're stopping by for lunch, go to the salad bar; it's by far the best salad bar on campus.
Thai Place may have to be the cream of the crop as far as dining on campus goes for me. I will admit that I am a Thai Place ADDICT, and can be found hovering over a plate of Chicken Pad Thai about once a week. Dishes are pretty delicious for the low price, and it is a full-service restaurant. If you are a first timer, you can't really go wrong; I of course recommend to go pad thai, but the pad sew is delicious as well, as are any dumplings/spring rolls. Even if you're not that adventurous of a diner, they cater to college students, so nothing too exotic to scare you off.
Last but certainly not least is Crepeaway, which is my absolute favorite place on campus. At the beginning of the semester we'd go down to this L Street gem a few times a week. Then we quickly got smart and started going less frequently to save our waistlines. Either way, the guys working still know us, and will smile at you when you order and they call your name. Serving both food crepes and desert crepes, this is a great stop any time of day. The desert ones, in my opinion, are far superior, and best at late-night. Try the Obama, and also find him on the wall mural!
Of course there are loads of other options, which is what makes dining at GW as unique as it is. What're your favorites? We're all a little biased. Keep eating well, GW, and check out some new spots - you'll be as pleasantly surprised as I was. And for anything else, get at me at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu.
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Carvings, to start, is nestled next to the underclassmen dorm Potomac. Fare is typical grill entrees; sandwiches, wraps, omelets, etc. The ingredients are pretty fresh -- I was impressed by the tasty tomatoes, as I'm very picky. The fries are delicious, I hear, and they bring in a turkey everyday to make fresh turkey and cranberry sandwiches, but get there before they're out. As expected, it's always filled with GW students, so you're likely to run into a familiar face (I saw a few friends while I was in there for only an hour today). The nice thing about it is there are a few booths, so it's a little cozier than some of the other venues on campus.
GW Deli is a legendary favorite on campus, but I had never understood why. I was encouraged as a tour guide to rave about it, but hadn't ever actually been aside. After being chided by a friend, I ordered a bagel one morning and was SO impressed; being from New York, I never get a bagel outside of my home state. The breakfast sandwiches are delicious, as well, and while you may catch a line that is out the door, don't worry - it goes fast. Stop by to figure out what they're all talking about.
Gallery Cafe is a usual stop for my roommates and I on our morning routes. After my 9:35, I know I can find my roommates in Ivory commons munching on a bacon egg and cheese sandwich from Gallery. It's worth it to try one. Fare is very similar to that of Carvings. If you're stopping by for lunch, go to the salad bar; it's by far the best salad bar on campus.
Thai Place may have to be the cream of the crop as far as dining on campus goes for me. I will admit that I am a Thai Place ADDICT, and can be found hovering over a plate of Chicken Pad Thai about once a week. Dishes are pretty delicious for the low price, and it is a full-service restaurant. If you are a first timer, you can't really go wrong; I of course recommend to go pad thai, but the pad sew is delicious as well, as are any dumplings/spring rolls. Even if you're not that adventurous of a diner, they cater to college students, so nothing too exotic to scare you off.
Last but certainly not least is Crepeaway, which is my absolute favorite place on campus. At the beginning of the semester we'd go down to this L Street gem a few times a week. Then we quickly got smart and started going less frequently to save our waistlines. Either way, the guys working still know us, and will smile at you when you order and they call your name. Serving both food crepes and desert crepes, this is a great stop any time of day. The desert ones, in my opinion, are far superior, and best at late-night. Try the Obama, and also find him on the wall mural!
Of course there are loads of other options, which is what makes dining at GW as unique as it is. What're your favorites? We're all a little biased. Keep eating well, GW, and check out some new spots - you'll be as pleasantly surprised as I was. And for anything else, get at me at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu.
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
It's Beginning To Look a Lot like Christmas...
Well, it's that time of year, folks -- the one you hear about from college students everywhere. Yes: it's finals time.
But before you run off to hole yourself up in Gelman, this isn't a finals angst post. I'm feeling way too jolly for that, as Christmas is rolling around. Lucky for me, my roommates and I have been taking a break from the craze to get ourselves in the festive spirit. Christmastime is my absolute favorite time of the year, and the holiday season at GW has not disappointed me. Check out how Christmas is hitting West Hall. (Sorry for the quality guys; Santa's gonna have to bring me a new camera upload cord so I don't have to keep abusing Photobooth).
But before you run off to hole yourself up in Gelman, this isn't a finals angst post. I'm feeling way too jolly for that, as Christmas is rolling around. Lucky for me, my roommates and I have been taking a break from the craze to get ourselves in the festive spirit. Christmastime is my absolute favorite time of the year, and the holiday season at GW has not disappointed me. Check out how Christmas is hitting West Hall. (Sorry for the quality guys; Santa's gonna have to bring me a new camera upload cord so I don't have to keep abusing Photobooth).
Welcome to the dorm, GW blog world!
Snowflakes with our names on each door.
Our wrapped up door, complete with stockings, tinsel and even some mistletoe ;)
Stockings hung by the "Work Hard Play Harder" sign with care.
Our very Charlie Brown-esque tree: all it needs is a little love!
Presents early. :)
We're never without Christmas music in here.
And... not without Christmas boxes for wrapping.
Our hall has a competition for who has the best decorations, and we are itching to win!
Coming from a VERY festive family, I really felt disheartened that I'd be away from them during the Christmas season. The nice thing is, I've got a brand new family here at GW, and we're all taking part in making our time here just as merry as it would be at home. My roommates and I will be taking a trip to see the tree on the National Mall once it's lit, like I'd go to see the tree in Rockefeller Center back in New York. And thankfully, none of us have become Grinches with finals rolling around; we play Christmas music in our study rooms in Eckles, and study by the light of the tree at night!
I hope you're finding the holidays just as festive where you are, whether it's across campus or across the world. Keep your spirits high during finals, and if you need a little Christmas reminder, just stop on by! ;)
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Monday, November 22, 2010
What's Next?
There's a strange vibe to campus around the holidays, which I'm now learning as a freshman. All conversations seem littered with the obligatory "when do you go home?" Students are pouring out of dorms with suitcases in hand. Everything seems sparser, and there's a longing in the air for everyone. We're all ready to go home.
The truth is, as much as I am in love with this place, I'm about ready to jump out of my skin to get on my flight. It's been two months since I've seen my best friend, two months since I've slept in my own bed, two months since I've seen my dog or drove my car or drank coffee on my porch. I've become very aware of time since I've come to college. I remember being incapable of going without speaking to my best friend for more than a few hours, or how a week in junior year felt like an eternity. At school, it's like the hours have a mind of their own.
But this return back to the homeland's got me reflecting, as it has the whole campus; this place is ripe with it. When we get back next week, there's two weeks left of the semester, and then we're turning around and running back home again. I'll be on yet another incoming flight to JFK, and when I'm back on GW soil I'll be in my second semester of college. How did that come so quickly?
I came here with a laundry list of aspirations for myself. And so far, I've fulfilled every single one of them. I wanted to do theatre; I was cast as a lead in a company I fell in love with. I wanted to be a tour guide; I'm now doing the GW spiel every week for prospectives. I wanted to write for the admissions blog; here I am rattling off my self-discoveries to you all. I wanted to have big plans; I have a new schedule I'm in love with, applying for theatre board, plans for my directorial debut, and a possible second-semester job and summer internship in mind.
The thing that's blown me out of the water about GW is how there's been no aspiration too big. All the little wants and too-scared-to-want's wriggled to the surface once I got here, and each got fulfilled. I can't stop gushing about my school, and whether that makes me a GW head or a real success story, I don't know, but what I do know is that all lines I wanted to cross I've leapt past.
Tonight, I went to dinner with my interviewer from a year ago that is one of the reasons I am here. My most memorable interview was for GW with a senior who wasn't afraid to curse, come out to me, or tell me his passion, and his gripes, regarding the university. He supported me when I confided in him my fears about my revealing college essay. He was at my April Visit Day and calmed my financial fears. In many ways, he is why I am here. Tonight, he treated me to dinner at Froggy Bottom Pub, where he asked about all my experiences, my plans, and my gripes about where I was at. After I bored him with the inner details of my GW life, swapping names and stories and complaints, he smiled at me over his sun-dried tomato pizza and chuckled,
"So, what's next?"
If I could give any phrase to GW, it would be that. What's next. We are on our own timeline here; our own stratosphere of counting. Maybe we're all a little type-A, but the campus is literally crawling with people who can't sit still. It's all about next semester, next summer, next internship, grad school. And don't get me wrong -- we're having our fun as we go. But this is the type of university that forces you to look at yourself and truly ask, who do I want to be next?
So, for now, I'll go back to NY in the new skin I've grown from being at school, and give them all the saga that is Gina Michele's college adventure. And soon enough, I'll have a new story to tell. And as much as I will be happy to be home, there is comfort in knowing I have somewhere to come back to, that'll make me into someone even better than I am.
I hope you all find the time to think to yourself about what's next. It could be the most important question that you're not asking.
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The Survival and Review of Freshman First Semester
I am happy to report that I have (just barely) survived the terror that is registration day. And, being both a freshman and having a last name in the first half of the alphabet, I'm one of the very last to endure the epic adventure we at GW love and hate so equally.
Since I have somehow gotten through the first semester unscathed (well, almost -- there's a few weeks left), I wanted to give fellow upcoming freshmen a look at what a typical first semester schedule is like here at GW, along with explaining what you can expect your class experiences to be like. Here's a look at what I've been taking:
Intermediate Italian II (Italian 4): Unless you're starting anew, all freshmen need to take a proficiency test in order to be placed in a language class. That being said, I was a little bit uneasy with my pretty high placement in Italian, as there are only two classes above mine. I was always a strong Italian student, but I felt that I hadn't really grasped the language in high school and had just gotten lucky. Coming to GW was a real turning point in the realization of what I do and do not know, Italian being no exception. Language classes here are capped at the higher levels, so I had a class with only 15 students. My teacher knows my name, my speaking ability, and where I rank roughly against others in the class. Language at this level at GW is absolutely nothing like language in high school, as my teacher spends our entire class periods without muttering one word of English and we respond and ask all questions in Italian, too. But don't get too terrified. One of the greatest things about my taking this class was the realization that I actually DO know Italian, and haven't just been studying it since 7th grade to get a nice grade added to my GPA. The class also stimulated me further in my adoration of Italian. I find myself speaking it more with friends who study it also, so my conversational skills have really been challenged. The best part is I met a boy from Bari on Facebook who doesn't speak English, and we speak everyday in Italian -- I've understood every word!
Stars, Planets and Life in the Universe (Astronomy I): If you are in any school at GW looking to fulfill a science requirement and are by NO means science-minded, do yourself a favor and TAKE THIS CLASS. My decision to take astronomy was more than hasty; I spent several nights during my summer in Greece looking up at the stars, and stupidly found myself asking my best friend just exactly what a star was. Needless to say, I figured it couldn't hurt to understand the universe a little better, and potentially take an easier science. I lucked out, because not only is astronomy not very demanding, I've found myself very intrigued by the topics. The layout of the class is a twice a week lecture with a little over 100 students and a lab period once a week with about twenty. The labs for the week relate to the lecture material, so they work like a recitation, but -- here's the great part -- they're VERY easy labs. Since Astro 01 students aren't going to be doing any astronomical physics, all the labs are very theoretical and just apply to larger astronomy concepts. The exams are straight forward memorization and grasping of the material, and all the homework assignments are online, easy to use, and really helpful to cement the concepts. It's times like these I'm happy to have a liberal arts degree, because I never would have taken the class had I not needed a science. I'm even picking up Astronomy II next semester!
General Psychology: As you might imagine, this is the bottom of the food chain for psych majors, but we all have to take it. Since I took IB Psychology in high school, a lot of the material was review for me. Regardless, I had a really great professor. The nice thing about these big lecture courses is there are often several teachers, and they all have different focuses. My professor works in the biological field of psychology, so her lectures leaned in that direction. Lucky for me, I'm very interested in that. However, she encouraged those who weren't to pick up the lecture with another professor. This was my largest class -- about 200 students -- but also my easiest, partly because I knew the material, but mostly because it is for my major and therefore what I'm interested in. If 200 scares you to tears, don't panic -- one of my best friends also took General Psych for her Social Sciences requirement on the Vern, where it was capped at 40 students. Best of both worlds, right? Totally. If you need a social science (Columbian kids!), I absolutely recommend trying psych. It's a fascinating field and not very demanding at the intro level, and you get to learn some of the reasons we work the way we do. Look for me on campus if you need some tutoring. ;)
Intro to Philosophy: As we speak, I'm currently writing my term paper for philosophy, so it's the perfect time to be reviewing it. I took this class on the Vern so that I would be in a capped class, and I found that to be the perfect setting. Philosophy requires discussion, and the small classroom allowed for that. To be honest, philosophy was something I was always interested in trying, but after this class, I've found that I liked the idea of it better than the actual study of it. Which is absolutely the point of college! I am so glad I took this course for the sole reason that it made me realize that I wasn't really that great at it. But, that's not to say I didn't enjoy my time, and made it work for me (the paper I'm currently writing is about happiness for the anti-theist, as I am myself). Even if you don't totally love a class, it's always great to try them. It'll help solidify your major choice, and also make you more well-rounded as an individual (and maybe have some deep thoughts, right?).
I had a really great first semester, with classes that allowed me the needed free time to adjust to college life, but also got some of my GCR's out of the way. Next semester I get to take classes more catered to me, now that I'm more secure in what I do and don't like. I had a good mix of lectures and small classes, so I truly did have the full freshman experience.
If you're a prospective student or even a fellow freshman and looking for some course-selecting advice or further explanation about academic life here, don't hesitate to shoot me a line at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu. I'm addicted to my Blackberry just like everyone else, I promise.
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Since I have somehow gotten through the first semester unscathed (well, almost -- there's a few weeks left), I wanted to give fellow upcoming freshmen a look at what a typical first semester schedule is like here at GW, along with explaining what you can expect your class experiences to be like. Here's a look at what I've been taking:
Intermediate Italian II (Italian 4): Unless you're starting anew, all freshmen need to take a proficiency test in order to be placed in a language class. That being said, I was a little bit uneasy with my pretty high placement in Italian, as there are only two classes above mine. I was always a strong Italian student, but I felt that I hadn't really grasped the language in high school and had just gotten lucky. Coming to GW was a real turning point in the realization of what I do and do not know, Italian being no exception. Language classes here are capped at the higher levels, so I had a class with only 15 students. My teacher knows my name, my speaking ability, and where I rank roughly against others in the class. Language at this level at GW is absolutely nothing like language in high school, as my teacher spends our entire class periods without muttering one word of English and we respond and ask all questions in Italian, too. But don't get too terrified. One of the greatest things about my taking this class was the realization that I actually DO know Italian, and haven't just been studying it since 7th grade to get a nice grade added to my GPA. The class also stimulated me further in my adoration of Italian. I find myself speaking it more with friends who study it also, so my conversational skills have really been challenged. The best part is I met a boy from Bari on Facebook who doesn't speak English, and we speak everyday in Italian -- I've understood every word!
Stars, Planets and Life in the Universe (Astronomy I): If you are in any school at GW looking to fulfill a science requirement and are by NO means science-minded, do yourself a favor and TAKE THIS CLASS. My decision to take astronomy was more than hasty; I spent several nights during my summer in Greece looking up at the stars, and stupidly found myself asking my best friend just exactly what a star was. Needless to say, I figured it couldn't hurt to understand the universe a little better, and potentially take an easier science. I lucked out, because not only is astronomy not very demanding, I've found myself very intrigued by the topics. The layout of the class is a twice a week lecture with a little over 100 students and a lab period once a week with about twenty. The labs for the week relate to the lecture material, so they work like a recitation, but -- here's the great part -- they're VERY easy labs. Since Astro 01 students aren't going to be doing any astronomical physics, all the labs are very theoretical and just apply to larger astronomy concepts. The exams are straight forward memorization and grasping of the material, and all the homework assignments are online, easy to use, and really helpful to cement the concepts. It's times like these I'm happy to have a liberal arts degree, because I never would have taken the class had I not needed a science. I'm even picking up Astronomy II next semester!
General Psychology: As you might imagine, this is the bottom of the food chain for psych majors, but we all have to take it. Since I took IB Psychology in high school, a lot of the material was review for me. Regardless, I had a really great professor. The nice thing about these big lecture courses is there are often several teachers, and they all have different focuses. My professor works in the biological field of psychology, so her lectures leaned in that direction. Lucky for me, I'm very interested in that. However, she encouraged those who weren't to pick up the lecture with another professor. This was my largest class -- about 200 students -- but also my easiest, partly because I knew the material, but mostly because it is for my major and therefore what I'm interested in. If 200 scares you to tears, don't panic -- one of my best friends also took General Psych for her Social Sciences requirement on the Vern, where it was capped at 40 students. Best of both worlds, right? Totally. If you need a social science (Columbian kids!), I absolutely recommend trying psych. It's a fascinating field and not very demanding at the intro level, and you get to learn some of the reasons we work the way we do. Look for me on campus if you need some tutoring. ;)
Intro to Philosophy: As we speak, I'm currently writing my term paper for philosophy, so it's the perfect time to be reviewing it. I took this class on the Vern so that I would be in a capped class, and I found that to be the perfect setting. Philosophy requires discussion, and the small classroom allowed for that. To be honest, philosophy was something I was always interested in trying, but after this class, I've found that I liked the idea of it better than the actual study of it. Which is absolutely the point of college! I am so glad I took this course for the sole reason that it made me realize that I wasn't really that great at it. But, that's not to say I didn't enjoy my time, and made it work for me (the paper I'm currently writing is about happiness for the anti-theist, as I am myself). Even if you don't totally love a class, it's always great to try them. It'll help solidify your major choice, and also make you more well-rounded as an individual (and maybe have some deep thoughts, right?).
I had a really great first semester, with classes that allowed me the needed free time to adjust to college life, but also got some of my GCR's out of the way. Next semester I get to take classes more catered to me, now that I'm more secure in what I do and don't like. I had a good mix of lectures and small classes, so I truly did have the full freshman experience.
If you're a prospective student or even a fellow freshman and looking for some course-selecting advice or further explanation about academic life here, don't hesitate to shoot me a line at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu. I'm addicted to my Blackberry just like everyone else, I promise.
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Inaugural Post -- the "New Meat" of the Blog
Hello, wide world of GDub! This is my inaugural post here on the GW Admissions blog, so I hope you all wish me luck!
To start, let me tell you who I am. My name is Gina Michele DePalo, and I am a freshman here at George Washington University in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences with a double major in Psychology and Dramatic Literature, from Long Island, New York. *clap*
Or that's what they make me say, anyway. ;) I'm here to give you a bit of the freshman perspective; a little "new kid on campus" deal, and to show you just what life is really like here at GW (I'll be honest, I promise).
But so you learn the real stuff, let's get a little more personal. And since this is a blog for and all about the wonderful GWU, let's make this even more fitting with my Top 10 Favorite Things about Life at GW:
10. A shortER Gelbucks line. Nothing makes my morning more than peaking in to see that the line for Gelbucks is actually INSIDE the store, allowing me time to grab a grande soy Peppermint Mocha no whip before my 9:35 astronomy lecture.
09. The "scenic route" via the Vern Express. Even if I'm stuck on the dreaded 8:45/9 am shuttle from the Vern through DC rush hour traffic, I always find it really calming to look out the window at the Potomac glistening from sunlight and the curling foliage of historic Georgetown. Coming from New York, it's nice to see the green I grew up with on Long Island, integrated with a city almost nothing like Manhattan -- which is why I love it.
08. New merch. Whenever there's downtime between classes on Foggy Bottom, I find myself compelled to pop into the bookstore to check out the array of GW pride. There is ALWAYS something new, so it's very common for me to be shipping gifts home or charging a quick purchase that one of my friends or roommates have recently picked up.
07. Study sessions. Whether it's at the 6th floor Stacks at Gelman or in one of the comfy chairs or study rooms in Eckles, it always feels a lot easier to get through those psych chapters with my friends crowded around our books in the library.
06. Walking around Foggy Bottom at night. I've only been here two months, but some of the fonder moments I think of when I reflect on my time here are when my friend from home and I were let out of our rehearsals after midnight and roamed around Foggy. Or on the weekends, when we're grabbing a shuttle back home in the wee hours of the night, there's something really comforting at night about the 4x6 blocks that we call home.
05. The beauty of GWorld. If you ever see me on campus, probability is 9/10 that I don't have cash on me. The magic of being able to swipe meals, clothes, groceries and just about anything else I could need to pick up has yet to wear off.
04. International conversations. I love when I'm walking down the street here and overhear two friends chatting in their native language, or a girl catching up with her parents on her cell phone in a foreign tongue. My extreme appreciation for culture and multilingualism has only expanded with each of my trips to Europe, including this past summer living in Greece. Coming home from that tremendous experience (which I'm sure I'll reference a good 6 million times) and landing straight here in a new city where different languages were all around me made me ALMOST feel like I hadn't left.
03. Liberalism. I come from a medium-sized suburb on Long Island, where I was a pretty vocal liberal, due partly to my background in theatre and my democrat-voting parents. Now, I'm living in a large city where I'm one of a million. I never thought I'd be somewhere where I was one of the "quiet ones".
02. Walking backwards (as a tour guide and... even when off duty, a little). It's true, I am a trainee STAR droid for GW, in addition to bringing you my life via blog. I'm so passionate about GW that I just can't seem to shutup about it, and when my friends and family come for a visit, I can't help but switch into my tourguide voice.
01. GW Student Theatre Community. I'll say it a thousand times, I'm sure, but my absolute favorite thing here at GW is the home I've found in student theatre. I wanted to go to a university where I could get back to performing, but also have a community for my playwriting, my directing, and of artist friends. I could not have chosen a better place.
So there you have it; a little snapshot of me through the lens of GW. I'll be back soon to give you a chronicle of what goes down here on campus -- I just wanted to introduce myself to you all! Any prospective students who want to know what it's REALLY like to go to GW, or current students with any questions or comments, get at me at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu. I love fan mail! ;)
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
To start, let me tell you who I am. My name is Gina Michele DePalo, and I am a freshman here at George Washington University in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences with a double major in Psychology and Dramatic Literature, from Long Island, New York. *clap*
Or that's what they make me say, anyway. ;) I'm here to give you a bit of the freshman perspective; a little "new kid on campus" deal, and to show you just what life is really like here at GW (I'll be honest, I promise).
But so you learn the real stuff, let's get a little more personal. And since this is a blog for and all about the wonderful GWU, let's make this even more fitting with my Top 10 Favorite Things about Life at GW:
10. A shortER Gelbucks line. Nothing makes my morning more than peaking in to see that the line for Gelbucks is actually INSIDE the store, allowing me time to grab a grande soy Peppermint Mocha no whip before my 9:35 astronomy lecture.
09. The "scenic route" via the Vern Express. Even if I'm stuck on the dreaded 8:45/9 am shuttle from the Vern through DC rush hour traffic, I always find it really calming to look out the window at the Potomac glistening from sunlight and the curling foliage of historic Georgetown. Coming from New York, it's nice to see the green I grew up with on Long Island, integrated with a city almost nothing like Manhattan -- which is why I love it.
08. New merch. Whenever there's downtime between classes on Foggy Bottom, I find myself compelled to pop into the bookstore to check out the array of GW pride. There is ALWAYS something new, so it's very common for me to be shipping gifts home or charging a quick purchase that one of my friends or roommates have recently picked up.
07. Study sessions. Whether it's at the 6th floor Stacks at Gelman or in one of the comfy chairs or study rooms in Eckles, it always feels a lot easier to get through those psych chapters with my friends crowded around our books in the library.
06. Walking around Foggy Bottom at night. I've only been here two months, but some of the fonder moments I think of when I reflect on my time here are when my friend from home and I were let out of our rehearsals after midnight and roamed around Foggy. Or on the weekends, when we're grabbing a shuttle back home in the wee hours of the night, there's something really comforting at night about the 4x6 blocks that we call home.
05. The beauty of GWorld. If you ever see me on campus, probability is 9/10 that I don't have cash on me. The magic of being able to swipe meals, clothes, groceries and just about anything else I could need to pick up has yet to wear off.
04. International conversations. I love when I'm walking down the street here and overhear two friends chatting in their native language, or a girl catching up with her parents on her cell phone in a foreign tongue. My extreme appreciation for culture and multilingualism has only expanded with each of my trips to Europe, including this past summer living in Greece. Coming home from that tremendous experience (which I'm sure I'll reference a good 6 million times) and landing straight here in a new city where different languages were all around me made me ALMOST feel like I hadn't left.
03. Liberalism. I come from a medium-sized suburb on Long Island, where I was a pretty vocal liberal, due partly to my background in theatre and my democrat-voting parents. Now, I'm living in a large city where I'm one of a million. I never thought I'd be somewhere where I was one of the "quiet ones".
02. Walking backwards (as a tour guide and... even when off duty, a little). It's true, I am a trainee STAR droid for GW, in addition to bringing you my life via blog. I'm so passionate about GW that I just can't seem to shutup about it, and when my friends and family come for a visit, I can't help but switch into my tourguide voice.
01. GW Student Theatre Community. I'll say it a thousand times, I'm sure, but my absolute favorite thing here at GW is the home I've found in student theatre. I wanted to go to a university where I could get back to performing, but also have a community for my playwriting, my directing, and of artist friends. I could not have chosen a better place.
So there you have it; a little snapshot of me through the lens of GW. I'll be back soon to give you a chronicle of what goes down here on campus -- I just wanted to introduce myself to you all! Any prospective students who want to know what it's REALLY like to go to GW, or current students with any questions or comments, get at me at gmdepalo@gwmail.gwu.edu. I love fan mail! ;)
See you around campus,
Gina Michele
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