A Final Word on Firenze

So I’ve been home for a little over 3 weeks now. I knew that I would need some time after I got home to be able to properly reflect on last semester. When I left to go to Florence in January I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous because not only did I not know the language, but I also had no real idea of how a new culture would affect me. Turns out I couldn’t have made a better decision. Since I’ve been home, I’ve discovered that it is incredibly difficult to explain what I experienced in Florence. I have no words that can truly describe what an incredible four months I had whilst abroad. The closest I’ve come to, is describing that time as the best experience of my life. To think that I was 20 years old and traveling around Europe is something that still blows my mind. I can’t express enough, how blessed I am to have been able to do that. I have the greatest parents in the world who would do, and have done everything to make sure that I can get the education that I want. I’m not saying that it was easy the whole time I was their, because I did have some struggles. There were times that I was incredibly homesick, times that I was uncomfortable or frustrated with some of the facets of Italian culture, and there were times when I struggled with learning things about myself that I hadn’t ever known. All of those moments and struggles were well worth it. I feel like I’ve grown so much as a person. My time in Italy will forever contain some of my favorite memories.

Having said all of that, the memories I have of Italy would not have been so incredible if it had not been for the people that I shared them with. Being able to share my time abroad with two of my best friends (Max and Sam duhh!) is something that I will forever be grateful for. Those boys were my backbone while I was abroad, and we all became so much closer through this experience. My time in Italy would’ve also not have been nearly as amazing without the help of my incredible roommates. I was blessed to have been put into the same apartment as some of the best people I have ever met. Whether it was me and Samantha commentating (harshly and hilariously) on everyone in the living room, everyone arguing about nicknames and Harry Potter, complaining about the treacherous stairs and the jungle woman next door, or walking home from class eating paprika pringles, some of my favorite memories in Florence happened right in Pellicceria with my amazing roommates who I hope to create more memories with.

OK OK enough sap I'm done now. Hit the jump to see some pictures of my time abroad. (BTW the pictures enlarge when clicked upon)

NYULocal Mixtape

This comes a bit late, and with plenty of apologies for that tardiness, rest assured, but do yourself a favor (though in some ways I'm the one doing you a favor simply by posting this) and dig on this free mixtape compiled by NYULocal. It features songs from musicians from NYU. Enough said.

Wait, one more thing to say: Head over to the NYULocal website to check out interviews with the artists and other such fare.

Yo John Sexton, SLOW DOWN!

Before I delve into this blog post, let it be known that I am proud to go to New York University. I couldn't imagine how different my life would be had I chose to gone to some state school in Bumblefuck, USA. I feel like I've matured as a person through one and a half years more than I would have at four years at said state school, and I have absolutely no regrets in choosing to attend NYU.


Now, with that being said, last year the President of NYU, John Sexton, unveiled his plan entitled NYU2031, which outlines the University's expansion plan by the year 2031 (The 200th anniversary of the school). The plan calls for a 40% expansion of its New York City Campus. The plan calls for adding 6 million square feet of space, at a projected cost of about $1,000 a square foot, to NYU’s existing 15 million. The projects are aimed at accommodating a growing student body and competing for money and prestige with other universities. They will require approvals from city agencies and have already met with a skeptical response from some neighbors and preservationists. This expansion includes the desire to have an overbearing presence in Greenwich Village, and essentially encapsulating the southern part of Manhattan into NYU's "campus." Sexton is even calling for NYU to own properties on Governors Island (which personally I think is absurd). 


Now usually, I wouldn't mind this need for more space. Hell, I imagine it would only boost y pride for such a great school. That was going through my mind until I received an email the other week informing me that tuition is being increased for the 2011-12 school year by 3.8%, which is an increase of about $1,500 for the year. Let it be noted that NYU, according to Campus Grotto, has the 42nd highest tuition in the United States. Factor in housing and other expenses, and NYU is one of the most expensive universities in the country. My tuition is being increased to accommodate Sexton's view for making New York City into New York University City. The school is investing in creating a new campus in Shanghai in the meantime as well. 

In additon, the school is quickly making enemies with a lot of residents in the Village. "The university has taken over more and more of the neighborhood. It feels less and less like a neighborhood and more like a company town or an extension of the NYU campus," said preservationist Andrew Berman. "Such an overwhelming presence of one institution in one historically diverse and small-scale neighborhood would irreparably damage its character and quality of life," said Greenwich Village resident Peter Lieberman.


So I ask you, Dr. Sexton, ease up on the gas. Everyone knows NYU is the shit. We have a list of successful alum that gives all the Ivy's competition. And when it comes to the entertiners out of NYU, those same schools can't even compete. Washington Square Park is already surrounded by all NYU-owned properties. Purple flags flood the streets from 14th street down to Bleeker. please do me and my impending college loans a favor. There's really no need to raise the tuition.


EDIT: Check out a conversation about the expansion on NPR here.

Hip Hop out of NYU

This post is going to be pretty pointless. If you know me, you know that I have a lot of pride. Even though I don't have many marked accomplishments myself, I will be the first person to boast the merits of someone who I know, or even don't know, but still feel a sense of connection to. For example, Swizz Beatz is a producer-in-residence at NYU. Does it affect me at all? No, but I still feel a sense of pride in that fact. Also, Rick Rubin founded Def Jam while at NYU.

Everyone enjoys listening to good music. So the proceeding songs are a sampling of some of the work that NYU students and alums have made. Enjoy. 

Childish Gambino- Freaks and Geeks (If you're thinking that you have seen him before, you're right. This is Donald Glover) 

Mickey Factz- Paradise (Dropped out of NYU to pursue rap career)

Nyle- Let the Beat Build

Alchemist- Lose Your Life

NEM Diddit- Bottom to the Top (Current Student)

 

Black Star- Definition (My second favorite rap duo of all time, behind Outkast)

 

Mos Def feat. Talib Kweli- History (So good that they deserve two songs here. This song, however, is off one of Mos Def's solo albums)