Sentimental, Frentimental

As a victim of the ever-so contagious disease of procrastination, my morning began more stressful than I had anticipated the night before. I finished my essay an hour before it was due, and received a message from my group mate asking to meet downstairs in 10 minutes to work on our debate. Not going to lie--when he asked I may still have been in my pajamas with teeth unbrushed and hair looking like a bird's nest after being scouted for eggs. Yes, I was a mess. But I made it down in 15 minutes and we were able to successfully finish our opening statement.

Today's class was full of entertainment, since a majority of the class was just spent debating. My team consisted of 4 intelligent individuals, and we were representing New York University in a case regarding Affirmative Action. I honestly felt so much more connected and involved in my new team compared to my previous one. Maybe it was a boost in confidence or the dynamic of my group that made me feel comfortable with speaking up; the world may never know. In any case, I definitely didn't feel like a deadweight to my group this time.

During midday break, Columbia had a jazz-and-popsicle event in front of Izabel's residential hall. It was rumored that these popsicles are "life-changing", so obviously we all had to check it out to verify. I chose the Red Velvet popsicle, as I found it to be rather peculiar. Intially, I had my doubts about such a concoction, but those soon went down into the fire after taking my first bite. Oh.my.gosh. Now, there's your basic  push pops, orange pops, fruit pops, etc. And then there's this gourmet popsicle that has convinced me to believe that heaven might actually be cold. This popsicle was AMAZING, it was like eating little red velvet mini dancing fairies and having them dance around in your tongue for a while. I hope that everyone gets the chance to taste this heavenly popsicle someday in their lives, otherwise they're truly missin' out.

Our afternoon session consisted of an abundance of cookies, chips, orange juice, and bittersweet goodbyes. My professor had arranged for today to be our "goodbye party", and we just sat on the grass and had some pleasant conversations with our classmates. I do wish that we had this type of bonding at the beginning of the course, as I felt that some of us really connected, which is pretty unfortunate since it was probably the first and the last conversation between some of us. There was an extensive amount of exchange of social media, so at least we'll always have that of each others! (Today was the first day I've ever gained more than two followers in a day! :D))

After taking an abundance of pictures, among which was a Constitutional Law "squad" photo, we all said our goodbyes and parted ways. The commuting students were the first to go, which was unfortunate since one of my friends was among that group. I met a lot of people during these last three weeks, typically consisting of awkward laughs and remarks about Con-Law. But when I met Rachel, it was different. The first time we ever talked to each other was so effortless and easy; our conversation flowed like the water on Maya Lin's women's table at Yale. Rachel was bluntly funny, honest, and sarcastic at times, and had one of the best personalities you could ever be exposed to. Unlike a majority of the students in the program, she went to public school like us, and really understood our struggles. I feel truly lucky to have made a friend like her, and I hope that we get to keep in touch.

Full Circle

The morning was a bit hectic. To start off, I woke up insanely late. So late, in fact, that I had been marked absent for my class and had to clear it up with my R.A.. When I arrived, I was greeted by a flurry of messages and looks from my friends that said "Where have you been? We were worried." I was touched by their concern and realized that I had developed strong friendships with these people over the three weeks I had gotten to know them, even ones I had met a few days ago.

Professor Mesznik closed out the class with advice for the future relating to business and important terms to know about finance, economics, and life in general. Like many others, I shook his hand after class to thank him for teaching us and putting his time and effort into trying to help us learn and be interested.

Originally, my friends and I were all going to get lunch together, but there was a change of plans and we decided to get an early lunch-dinner hybrid instead. Tiara, my regular lunch buddy, ate lunch with me in the cafeteria – my last meal in the cafeteria. This, however, was not before we experienced the crazy deliciousness of a gourmet Red Velvet cake flavored popsicle that, surprisingly, didn’t taste artificial at all.

At the beginning of the afternoon class, we discussed the last articles we had chosen and reviewed some of the mathematical material we had covered in the past few days that Ms. Santos hadn’t had a chance to go over in quite as much depth as she had wanted to. We ended the class with a hilariously off-kilter game of “Financial Jeopardy!” It was an interesting end to an interesting class, definitely not an emotional one, but an interesting one all the same.

Immediately after, I went to go eat a “dunch” or “linner” at Shake Shack with Tiara, Jason, and Brian. Although I felt bad that our laughter and conversation was incredibly loud, I didn’t regret one second. Our hangout felt way past overdue and I couldn’t help but think I had missed out on so many opportunities to hang out with all these amazing people. Why, oh why, did I have to get so much closer to these people during the last week? Tiara decided to head back to Columbia and Jason had somewhere to be, so Brian and I walked to the Met to go meet up with the rest of the cohort. I also got to see the stunning “Through the Looking Glass” exhibit I had missed the first time I had visited the Met and went up to the equally stunning rooftop garden that overlooked the rest of the city. It only took a short while before Brian got comfortable with the group and was chumming around with everyone else. The evening was beautiful, the night air was cool, and the fireflies were out. And so we did the only the sensible thing we could do; we went on the swings. 

With all of us feeling a little thirsty and a little hungry, we got some boba from a small local shop called TeaMagic and shared a few more laughs. Before he left, we awarded Brian honorary Columbia cohort member status and saluted him off before heading back to the campus. It seemed as though the night couldn't get any more perfect; I mean, swings and the Met and Shake Shack and friends and boba? How could we possibly end such an incredible night properly? Well, we ended it on the ledge from the very first night, and just sat there for a while, feeling nostalgic and talking about nothing in particular. Sometimes, the simple things are the best. 

It hasn’t yet hit me that I won’t see some of these people ever again. And yet I’m so incredibly grateful for the people I did get to meet and the experiences I was able to have with them, and I am excited to see where some of these newfound friendships will lead. My goodbyes to my friends were not sentimental and mushy. Rather, they were the mere and bittersweet acknowledgment of the fact that I wouldn’t see them physically for a very long time or perhaps ever. I wouldn’t wholeheartedly say that it’s not goodbye, because I feel as though on a certain level it was. There’s something about the physical presence of a human being that can’t be substituted for technology in a friendship. But, it’s also not a question of whether or not I’ll be able to talk to them, because I will. So, with a hopeful heart, I continue on, treasuring the moments I was given, sharing them with others, and looking forward to making new ones.

Wrapping It Up With New Friendships

I started my glorious day off with confidence, joy, and slight sadness. My three week adventure has almost come to a close and it felt glorifying to end it with a positive attitude. I had my last Columbia breakfast with a floor mate and we chatted over some eggs and pancakes about how much we'd miss our experiences. We both discussed what we planned on doing in the upcoming future and what colleges we dreamed of attending. After an awesome chat, I said my goodbye and headed back to my dorm to do some final revisions on my essay.

The morning session of class was exhilarating. We concluded our class with a final debate. My group went up second, with our case concerning the search and seizure clause in the Fourth Amendment. Brief background of the case: John Rogers was convicted of hiding and assisting a fugitive drug lord and child hood friend, Al Chapo. The FBI collected evidence of images depicting Rogers and Chapo smoking cigars, watching TV, and relaxing together in Roger's home through the use of "GoogleTelescopePlus". Roger's home was see through as it was made entirely out of windows, but he lived in a private beach front. We based our arguments on the fact that Roger's gave up his privacy by aiding an internationally wanted criminal and by living into an easily visible house. Our debate wasn't heated but was extremely intense especially between me and my arch nemesis, Carson.

The afternoon session was extremely relaxed as we all pitched in food as a class and sat outside and got fat. Varieties of cupcakes, chips, cookies, and sodas all lined up the grassy area just waiting to be taken. Our class all started to indulge ourselves in the diabetic treats and bonded simultaneously. I got a chance to talk with most of my classmates and started to get to know them on a much broader level than I did before. As we wrapped up our class picnic, I realized how much I'd actually miss them. During the three weeks the class didn't really get a chance to bond as much as we did today, and having started creating that bond and then saying goodbye, was really saddening, especially considering the fact that we would most likely never see each other again.

After some emotional goodbyes, Izabel and Alyanna and I met up with Ms. Thrift once again at the MET. We checked out the MET's "China: Through the Looking Glass" exhibit which was filled with the elegance of historical beauty. It really was fascinating to look at the different historical details behind each dress and the significance behind it. Shortly after, we met up with Deborah and her friend, Brian. We spent some time enjoying the view of the sunset from the MET's rooftop, again pictures speak louder than words:

After some self reflection, we decided to conclude our final day in NYC with a short stroll through Central Park. Brian quickly assimilated with our infectious attitudes and within seconds, we were all getting along. We came across a swing set along the way and as a result, we just had to get on it. The inner child in all of us sprung out immediately as we all smiled and screamed. A little boy that goes by the name of "Princeton" sat next to me on the swing set and asked me in the most innocent voice if I could push him. Adored, I immediately said, "Of course, son." 

Once we parted ways with Ms. Thrift, we all spent more time together with Brian in our final ours in the Big Apple. We got some boba at TeaMagic, an amazing boba shop right down the university's way. We all sat there, telling stories, choking on tapioca balls, and laughing our butts off. Before curfew hit, we crowned Brian an unofficial member of our cohort and said our last meaningful goodbyes. 

With the remainder of time at hand, we decided to end our Columbia adventure right where we started it and sat on the ledge of Columbia's former library.

As it all draws to a close, it makes me realize how much I've grown as an individual. These past three weeks has truly been a humbling adventure and has motivated me to work harder in the coming years. 

Well here it goes, a few more hours more...

This Is Not Good Bye

For the morning session we had our final debate in class. I think my group did well in our presentation, I was happy with the way we dealt with the cases. After the debate we watched a movie called “My Cousin Vinny” it was funny

During lunch Alyanna, Mark, and I went across the street to the grocery store. Our class was going to have potluck during the second session. We had time to go to the college store to pick up last minute gifts.  

The second session was spent outside in a picnic style. I had so much fun talking to the other students in my class about college and comparing our high schools. I was sad to say good bye to my class I felt like I have learned so much from them.

Right after class we headed to the Met to meet up with Joyce. I just love the dress exhibit they had amazing gowns on display.

We walked back to the college through Central Park, on our walk we passed by swings. We asked Joyce if we could stop and get on.   

It was funny that we made a new friend on the last day of the program. Bryan was a cool person who was friendly. 

Uncharted Waters

Quotes from Mr. Hamilton

I woke up scared that I had fallen asleep for too long but at least I remembered the cohort's meet-up. In fact, I was one of the first to be at the rendezvous. 

The morning class was spent talking about stocks and shares and how a company could make different decisions to change these values. We covered topics like how patents affected a company's book value vs. market value and why treasury stock or wholesale stock buying of one's own company would be a good idea. 

After the morning class I had just enough time to get lunch from the cafeteria with a few friends before leaving for the Museum of American Finance on Wall Street. It was quite the trek and our travel time alone felt like 45 minutes. Once inside, we split up into our different classes, since another afternoon class came with us also, and we took turns looking at the Alexander Hamilton room and the "Money Room." As a big fan of Alexander Hamilton from AP United States History, it was interesting to hear more about his life's work from the context of the museum, with an emphasis on his achievements in monetary structural development meant to help the government such as the creation of national debt. Another thing I thought was fascinating was a continuously flipping counter for the United State's national debt. (Currently it's at about 18 trillion dollars and rapidly rising.) 

Immediately after getting back from the museum I jumped right back and went straight down to the Museum of Modern Art, for a second time, with Izabel and Alyanna. I was able to look at the floor that I didn't have a chance to check out the previous time and also look at the wonderful store on the first floor. It was especially nice that the museum closed at 8 because we didn't feel rushed on our way out and we took our time looking around. 

We ended the day on a high with cookies from a local Insomnia and pizza from "Saba's Pizza" - part sentimentality, part curiosity. Both hit the spot and were scrumptious. Returning back to my dorm I couldn't help but feel a slight pang in my heart for the city I had come to (attempt to) familiarize myself with in three weeks. When would I be able to come back? When would I be able to see some of the friends that I made? Would I be able to?

Ten years from now, maybe I'll be living in the city. (Probably not.) But that's the best part. No one knows. The waters remain uncharted, ready to be explored. And so while I did sail in uncharted waters three weeks ago, desperately paddling and trying to stay afloat, I feel better now, more comfortable, like a captain looking out at sea, new map in hand with notes scribbled furiously on the surrounding area, ready to take the world by storm once more.

One. More. Day

This morning went off to a terribly slow start. I forced my legs out of bed and slowly trudged my way towards the showers. After a quick Antarctic shower and a change of clothes I was out the door and walking towards the dining hall for our weekly updates with Ms. Thrift to discuss the itinerary for the looming departure day.

While the rest of the cohort decided to go out and see the Modern Art Museum, I stayed in the comforts of my dorm perfecting both my essay and opening statement. Although as mundane and sad as my experience has been for the day, my afternoon was actually really productive. I was able to do laundry, clean my dorm, and even finish the main arguments to both essays. By the late afternoon's arrival, I had finished everything. Relieved, I sat back, relaxed, and snoozed a bit in my desk chair, a victory nap as I'd call it.

It's been a really rough week filled with overwhelming readings, essay writings, sleepless nights, and some screaming here and there. It's only been three weeks now, but I can proudly state that: I did give my absolute best. I sacrificed sleep and a bit of my social life in order to find success in the classroom. Tomorrow sadly is our last day of class, but that doesn't mean we won't be doing anything. We'll only do nothing once we're finished with our last debate, or should I say, our last chance to rip each others' throats out.

  

Nearly There

My day started out with these three words: it's almost over. 

Now, don't get me wrong, I've absolutely loved every second I've been here at Columbia. I've made some new friendships, learned so many things about Constitutional Law, and ate so much great food. But I've seriously been feeling so homesick lately. I miss my parents and grandparents and friends who are all so familiar to me. I miss learning about other subjects like math and science. I miss the comfortability of my own bed and the warm scent of pancakes in my home every morning. I honestly didn't think I would, but I seriously miss home. 

In class today, we went over the ever so controversial topic of Fourth Amendment rights. One case that we reviewed, Kyllo v. US, really got me thinking. Is it an invasion of our Fourth Amendment right to have our houses scanned by infared radiation? Yes, it is. Although not doing so would result in the compromise of evidence, we have to uphold the rights and liberties that our great country was founded on. Freedom of speech, freedom of press, and protection from unlawful searches are all things necessary to maintain our God-given rights. You go, Murica'.

After class, I had a quick dinner with my cohort and we took a trip downtown to Soho! We browsed around the shops for a bit, and just enjoyed each other's company. I think that's one of the things that I'm reluctant to give up when we get back home--all the fun times with my cohort. We've all gotten so close these last three weeks, and I hope it stays like that forever.

Coming Down the Homestretch

It's late right now - very late. But I figure, why not get the full college experience, right? I was busy finishing up an essay we were assigned in class, a very complicated and yet uncomplicated paper. The assignment was to pick a small company and then research their financials and analyze them in the context of industry. The only thing was, it was extremely difficult to find financials for small niche markets and companies and so I ended up having to pick a bigger company than I had hoped. This complication by itself, was enough to delay me long enough until I could feel the steam bursting out of my ears and the weird Joker laughter start to take over. Luckily, I finished the essay in time to keep my frustrations at bay.

Professor Mesznik discussed the idea of inventory and how it is separated into three parts: raw materials, work in progress, and finished goods. obviously you'd like to have as many finished goods as you bought materials for, and so, there must be a balance and an inventory to check and make sure that everything is accounted for. He also expounded on different types of assets and liabilities. He mentioned that, typically, assets are named in order of liquidity, or how fast something can be transferred into cash. Clearly, the first thing on this list was cash since cash is already cash. On the other hand, a long term asset like Property, Plant, and Equipment would be lower on the list.

I ate lunch with Tiara again as she "forgot" to eat her breakfast. We had planned on going to Five Guys but it was "closed temporarily due to construction." Determined to get our burger fix elsewhere, (because who doesn't like burgers?) we took the metro and walked to the famous and ever-popular "Shake Shack," which I enjoyed immensely. A good burger and fitted with a shake and an even better friend is always lovely. In the afternoon, Ms. Santos went over rate returns and how to calculate them in simpler ways. However, somewhere in the lesson, many of us got confused. I know I got confused for sure because I saw the use of matrices in a method she was showing us, and since I've never learned matrices, it was a bit hard to follow. 

Also, it's official! We get to go on the field trip for the afternoon session tomorrow! I'm definitely looking forward to it

Anyways, now I definitely feel like everything is ending way too soon. I feel as though, it is only now when I'm starting to know my friends even better - in the last minute stress and pressure of the class workload and the crazy deliriousness of late night adventures. At the same time, I know that I've made good friends, ones that I'll most definitely keep in touch with after this course, people that I didn't think I'd be good friends with. And perhaps there's I didn't make as many as I thought that I would but you know what they say: quality over quantity. 

Jarheaded Debating

I started my day extremely exhausted, drained, and disoriented with reality. Last night's homework proved too much for me and it showed. Going to sleep at 4 AM and entering the unforgiving world again at 7 AM can really take a toll on somebody. 

In class, Michelle broke the class up into groups with each group asked to present about any of the six cases from the assigned reading the night prior. All six cases had some sort of connotation with the 4th Amendment's search and seizure clause and had their own little twist to their background stories. My group went over each case, sharing the facts, looking at each legal issue, and analyzing each holding carefully. Once it was our time to present, Michelle hit us with the case Arizona v. Hicks. In this case, the respondent's (Hicks) house was searched after a bullet was fired from is apartment and resulted in injuring another man. In the search police recovered several firearms and a stocking mask. One police officer came across a rather expensive set of stereo equipment that looked out of place in Hick's squalid apartment. The officer recorded the stereo's serial number and set it to headquarters to see if his suspicions were correct. The stereos were stolen in an armed robbery and as a result, the officer seized the radio system. The Supreme Court ruled that the officer's search and seizure of the stereo system did violate the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments under the reasoning based off Coolidge v. New Hampshire. 

In the afternoon session of class, we did a substantial amount of debate prep for Friday's second and last debate of the course. The case my group was assigned was a case called John Rogers v. United States. Just like the cases before, this case was fake but interesting. The petitioner, John Rogers, was arrested after being spotted with wanted drug lord and child hood friend, Al Chapo. He was spotted by authorities in his glass made home by a new system by Google called, ''GoogleTelescope". Luckily, we got the task of representing the United States in this case as representing John Rogers would be impossible since Rogers actions are not justifiable at all.

After class ended, I got a haircut at a local Russian barbershop down Broadway. I got what I usually get: a military fade cut with a one on the sides. The barber actually did a better job than I anticipated as the sides were surprisingly cut sharp and even. 

Only two more days left before I'm back in the comfort of my own home. The end of the road is coming close, meaning that it's time to work harder than I usually do. It was during every football practice that the coaches would punish us whenever we never gave 110% in terms of effort. They told us that once we'd start to let ourselves down now, we'd let ourselves down for the rest of our lives. In this case, that applies. If I decide to slack off, I not only let myself down but also my cohort, our sponsors, and my family. You know I can't do that.

Crunch Time

With only two days left in class, the time has come to go on overdrive. I still have a six pages essay to do, study for a quiz, and prepare for a debate. I know that it may sound like a lot and it is, but I know I will be just fine. I am going to miss my class, I was finally feeling like I was doing better and now it the end of the course.  I hate saying good bye and I feel like that might just be the biggest thing that I do not look forward to.

This the morning in class we went over my favorite Amendment, the Fourth Amendment. You might be asking yourself why it is my favorite. Well to answer your question it just happens to be the one that I know the most about. It also the Amendment I use in Mock Trial. As our homework we had to read six cases they were Chimel v. California, Arizona v. Hicks, Olmstead v. US, Katz v. US, California v. Ciraolo, and Kyllo v. US. The teacher had us go over all the cases in small groups, and then had us go up in front of the class and present to the rest of the students the cases we were given at random. I think my group did well; we were straight to the point.

During lunch I decided to get a head start on my essay. So far I have an outline and did research online. For the afternoon session the class was put into different groups and given a topic to prepare a debate on. I am happy with my group and I think we are going to do great since we seem to work so well.  

After class I spent time bonding with Mark, we went to the barbershop since he needed a haircut. When I first found out that there was a boy in my cohort I was so excited to be able to have a different experience than last year. I was nice to be able to bond over a haircut, since we both care about our hair it was one more thing we had in common.

When I arrived back to my dorm my suite wanted to bond over ice cream and play a game to get to know each other better. I am going to miss the late night laughing sessions that I had with people in my suite. This summer is truly, my motivation to do well senior year in order to get to this place next year when my time comes to be a college student.