Ochem

Organic chemistry.

When I first heard of this class I had to take for premed, I was intrigued. I hoped it would be something close to biochemistry, and I’d get to learn about all kinds of reactions that happen in the human body. Turns out it has deal with mostly stuff you put INTO the human body, drugs and stuff . . . . and it would be interesting if I didn’t have to memorize all those reactions.

So earlier this week I was freaking out about it because I thought the final would just be horrible. I expected it to take the full time, and I expected to be sweating bullets through it. But after having taken it, I can say it wasn’t so bad after all. If I had studied more regularly, I probably would have had no problems with it, or the class.

I remember taking a similar course- Chemistry, at the University of Texas. While I email my professor almost weekly, my friends and I hit up office hours, and talk to our professor after class, I remember the line of 30 students that would try to talk to our professor after class at UT. I think we’re pretty lucky at Tulane that we get all the help we need in such a difficult subject. The last thing that I’m grateful for in terms of organic chemistry is the tutors available at the ERC. Normally, we would think oh, tutoring, I don’ t need that. But everyone I know gets help on one thing or another. The tutors are available almost every day in almost every subject, and they are more than competent.

So this blog really isn’t about ochem . . . . this one goes out to the ERC. Here at Tulane I discovered that when you’re struggling in something, help is always available. All you have to know is where to look.

And so after all that . . . organic chemistry is really not so bad after all. =)

Zen Party

Last night was the Asian American Student Union’s Zen Party- a night with sushi and karaoke at a great Japanese place called Mikimoto’s. I was unsure as to how many people I would know at this party, as I don’t know all the Asian students on campus as well as I know the Indians. But after I got there, I saw a diversity that I honestly did not expect. I saw some of my sorority sisters, I saw some of my friends in classes, and I saw many of my Indian friends. The room was very small, but we had a good time singing the night away.

And boy, some of these singers were VERY overzealous. The best job was done by my sorority sister Nikki. She did an awesome job because she knew all the words to the song and has a wonderful deep voice. Props go to her!

Most of the other singers picked their songs before realizing they had to know all the words, and ended up pulling other people “on stage” to help them out. My favorite was when my somewhat clueless friend Prashant was pulled onstage to sing a song by N’Sync - Tearin Up My Heart. He knew every single word, and though on any other night, this might have been an embarrassment to a 20 year old boy, he was pretty excited to sing for the crowd.

I guess that’s what I like the most about parties like this at Tulane. It’s good humored fun, no one gets in any trouble, and you mix with a diverse group of people. And in that small room, eventually, you get to know them all well enough to stand up in front of them and make an idiot out of yourself with some karaoke.

Only at Tulane . . .

Dead Week

Finally, we get a dead week. Except its really only a day- Monday there are no classes and Tuesday exams begin. My first exam is on Wednesday . . . . .

I’d have to say, the scheduling here is a little strange. Despite the fact that we have no dead week, I still don’t get done with exams until December 19, which is very late compared to most other schools. Though it gives me more time to study for the later exams, it does not help me on my most important exam- Organic Chemistry. Additionally, I have final portfolios and papers due in my English classes . . . a little extra time would have been nice for that too.

But every cloud does have its silver linings. As I was whining to myself about how I have to study in an erratic way because of the time constraints, I looked ahead to next semester. Not only do we get a spring break, but we ALSO get two days off for Mardi Gras. This is especially important because this year, Mardi Gras will fall on my 20th birthday. And boy, what a way to celebrate.

SO the moral of the story: It’s a give and take. I give up a couple of days of studying for partying . . . .just kidding, y’all. We work hard AND play hard here.

Welcome to Tulane . . . . where we have round-the-clock entertainment, whether it be from a parade, campus activities, or . . sadly . . a physics textbook on December 18 when all your friends are already getting their entertainment elsewhere!

Shaolin Show

Last Saturday, I went to see the Shaolin Warriors perform. I’ve been a martial arts student for a significant portion of my life, and I was very interested to see their technique. In their program, they had not only students from the school in New Orleans, but experts from the Shaolin Temple itself.

The sound was basically a dialogue from a young man who is lost in the ghetto of New Orleans but finds his way to enlightenment by learned the ways of the Shaolin Warriors. The story takes him and his friends to China, where they learn impressive tricks from students there.

The actual performances were very impressive, and it was obvious that these young people had immense skill. The New Orleans group of students particularly impressed me, as did the youngest group, which was between about 6 and 8 years old. These children knew the meaning of discipline at such a young age. They also showed extensive command over their movements, which is very difficult at an age where motor development is still occuring. The older students were in their teens. They were of multiple racial backgrounds, and they showed all kinds of different unique skills. No two fighters fought the same way, each had molded his technique to fit his particular style. Amongst the Chinese warriors, we saw men of all ages performing with all kinds of weapons- Psis, Nunchucks with an extra bar in between, swords, bos, and even brooms at times.

The show was certainly worth seeing- y’all check them out sometime!

AKPsi Semiformal

So last weekend, we had the AKPsi semiformal. At first, I grumbled and mumbled about going. A friend of mine needed a date, and asked me, since I already knew some of the people that would be there. Rather grudgingly, I said yes. This same friend tends to do my physics homework every week, and its not like I ever offer to compensate him for his services. Rather, about a fifth of my class now depends on him . . . So I had myself yet another semiformal to attend.

And I figured it being a DIFFERENT semiformal, I could wear the SAME dress I wore to all of them last year. Probably not my smartest idea as people recognized it when I got there, but I figured I was being resourceful. The less work I had to do, the better. I had sorority interviews that night as well, and it was also VERY frigid outside. I ended up walking back to my place barely forty minutes before I had to go, peeling off layers of formal wear, and then disapprovingly staring at my dress knowing how cold it was outside. If I had been a little smarter, I would realized this before I chose to wear the one nice dress I have and found some other mode of dressing nicely without dying of hypothermia. But I wore the dress, and my friend’s sweater-coat thing on top. And froze anyways. My friend and I were late getting dressed because warmth was our utmost concern, and hence, we made our dates miss the bus. We ended up taking a cab to the Republic, the club at which our semiformal was held.

(Me still freezing in my friend’s lovely white coat)>>

The Republic, surprisingly, did have a place to check coats. I’m used to Russia, where they check them everywhere and its highly unfashionable to tote them around. In New Orleans, you either freeze for the few minutes you are out in the cold, or deal with the reality of carrying your coat ALL night long. Most of the time we choose to freeze . . unless its in the forties, which it was that night. Once we got inside, it was very warm. The music was good, and the regular Republic crowd started showing up as well. Soon the dance floor was packed, and they played lots of classics, like Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean. I ended up having a great time though I dreaded it at first.






My suitemate and I at the semiformal














My friends Yusuke, Annabelle, and Ricardo- the two AKPsi men and their dates after we finally got to the club!

In New Orleans, I’ve gone to three different dances in the last year, and all out of obligation. Here at Tulane we like to dress up and have a posh night every once in awhile. I don’t think many other schools can say that. I have friends at LSU who are actually jealous of all the dances I must attend–for my sorority as well as different organizations such as IATU.

After this dance, and the third use of my green dress, I guess I can say they’re not so bad after all.

Diwali

So since I’m catching up on blogging here, another important event in my life occured in the last couple of weeks as well- Diwali!!!

For those of you that may not know, Diwali is the festival of lights. It’s celebrated all over India, and the actual date of the festival was about a month ago. But the India Association of Tulane University decided to celebrate on November 19, 2006. Many of my friends danced on stage in the various performances–friends of every race, not just those of south asian descent. That’s one thing I love the most about Tulane– the way cultures don’t segregate into groups the way they do at big state universities. Here in New Orleans we’ll love you no matter what your race and heritage, and we’ll be even more excited if you can teach us something about your culture!

I celebrated Diwali with my friends here at Tulane about two weeks ago. Here are some pictures of the dances and of my part in a skit called the Diwali dating game.

House Gutting

So LONG TIME NO BLOGGING, huh?

Sorry to all you freshmen eagerly awaiting this. I’ve been cramming for midterms and chilling in Friendswood for Thanksgiving.

But before I left, last Saturday, the Asian American Student Union went house gutting with SAFER. As the community service chair, I made all the arrangements and expected me and the board members to show up. But we had a good turnout, and in fact, most of the members participating were NOT on the board. We wereout from about 9 to 4 and we got to see the levee which lead to the destruction of the house we were gutting.

The house we were gutting








Setting up before we began








The other half of our group listening for instructions








Jacob, Brian, and Byron emptying out junk from inside the house








Me raking some away some pieces of paneling, drywall, and peoples’ lives







Lower 9th ward levee








The Asian American Student Union on our house gutting day

It’s funny . . . the memories you make out here in New Orleans. Spending Saturday with pink respirator filters hanging off my face in a house infested with giant roaches wouldn’t normally seem like a fun activity. But seeing the house after we were done was the only reward we needed. I’m rather inspired to do it again some time. After all, without students like us, some of these houses would simply be neglected.

Only at Tulane . . . .

TEMS to the Rescue

So this weekend, I did nothing exciting in terms of Tulane or learning more about this wonderful environment. I spent it being sick . . . . literally. I’m not really sure why but it was pretty embarrassing when all my friends wanted to go out and enjoy this lovely cold weather we’ve been having and I had to stay inside in bed. That’s pretty much all I did this weekend . . . spend time in bed, watching tv or watching stuff on my computer, generally relaxing without eating anything that would make my stomach turn. I missed my sorority’s amazing Family Breakfast, which was at 3:30 AM on Sunday. Normally I would have been up and would have gone gladly- breakfast is easily my favorite meal of the day. Unfortunately, I had a few issues with keeping food IN my stomach, as gross as that is.

But then there was TEMS to the rescue. I have this friend in TEMS who ended up helping me out. He told me what was wrong with me, how to fix it, and what NOT to do. I started feeling better after I listened to his advice and I knew what to avoid for next time. You wouldn’t really think that another 19 year old kid would know something like that but these TEMS students are the exception.

Last year a bunch of my friends and I applied to be in TEMS. Some of us made the first interview, some of us made the second, and a lucky few were selected to by trained by TEMS, or the Tulane student EMT group. They mainly serve the Tulane area, but their knowledge and expertise is much needed for this campus and its neighbors. These students go on call a few days a month where they wear their uniforms and radios and must leave if an emergency does arise. They do this in turn so no one ends up missing anything really important in terms of classwork. When I brought up the subject of my mystery illness to my TEMS friend, I figured I’d get somewhat of an answer, but not the exact causes of my illness. He saved me a trip to the health center . . . . and he’s only 19 years old.

These are the kind of kids you will find at Tulane. They are dedicated to their cause, whatever it may be. And in the end, you will be impressed because for a moment while talking to them, you’ll forget that they’re just students still adjusting to college and its increasing demands.

That’s Tulane for ya . . . we’re hard workers here! =)

Volleyball

Recently I have started going to volleyball games at Tulane. I don’t know why I haven’t gone all this time, but a few friends of mine, diehard fans, are suitemates with one of the girls on the team. So every Friday and Sunday they wear their Tulane Volleyball t shirts and tote their signs with the girls’ names on them to Fogelman. And then they watch the team win . . . which it usually does.

So here’s the thing: we have a reallly good volleyball team. It’s second in our conference, and the games are always exciting to watch. I’d say volleyball is one of the better sports here at Tulane. Three of the girls are Eastern European, and they were all recruited by Tulane for their talent, which is obvious when you see a perfect service ace or a kill that’s so elegant it looks like its being done in slow motion.

Here are some pictures of the girls . . . and if you’re a Tulane kid reading this–go watch them some time!!!

These are from their game on Friday against UAB . . . which they lost by a VERY close fifth match!

Homecoming Pep Rally

So last Thursday was the Homecoming Pep Rally. It’s sort of taken me awhile to write about it, I know! This week, as I walked around, I noticed no windows were painted and then I remembered I had wanted to share my experiences with you all.

See, one of the things that the Homecoming Committee announced at the pep rally was the winners of the window painting contest. Various different organizations paint the windows of Bruff, including student organizations, fraternities and sororities, and multicultural groups. Various dorms also compete amongst themselves, on the windows of their own buildings. This year the winner was the India Association of Tulane University, and I can tell you from walking around campus last week that pretty much everyone knew it would happen. IATU entered the contest late, but you’ll see from my pictures why they still won. This, if you ask me, is art (done by Aden Malik of IATU).

The pep rally also featured the marching band and the color guard, both of whom I had never seen perform before. It was very obvious the effort they went through to guarantee a good show.

And finally, they had fireworks. When my friend called me to go to the pep rally, I thought no one would be there and it would be pretty dull. Coming from a huge state school last fall, the University of Texas at Austin and a proud public school in the small town of Friendswood, Texas, before that, I was used to school spirit being at an alltime high ALL the time. In Friendswood we had a football team that never won but we still went to their games to support them, and the stands were always packed. Here at a small private school, school spirit is a little different. You don’t see as many people at games, but the ones you do see are diehard fans and can tell you exactly what’s going on. This pep rally, however, was a reminder of how school spirit, though different from that of a public high school and big state school, is still there, tried and true. The place was packed and the firework show at the end of the night was something I’d never seen at any pep rally.

The whole thing made me proud of this school and proud to be a Tulanian!

Multicultural Food Fest

On Thursday, we had our Multicultural Food Fest. It was in honor of homecoming, and it brought together a diverse group of organizations. The food was good . . and lasted about 20 minutes!!! Here are some memories that I think represent this experience well, and bring out Tulane’s multi ehtnic student group.

This is the representation from the Asian American Student Union. Here at Tulane, what the actual color of your skin is doesn’t matter at all. What does matter is the interest you have in learning about other cultures. We’re very open and all of our multicultural groups have members of widely varying backgrounds.








These are girls from my sorority, Delta Xi Nu. We are the only multicultural Greek body on campus, and just by looking at us, you can tell that we’re a very diverse group of girls. But sisterhood ultimately brings us together, and we learn about each others’ cultures in the process!









Here’s our poster!














My friends Jacob and Annabelle goofing around. She’s eating this interesting macaroni and cheese with some spices in it . . .












These freshman are all in the India Association of Tulane University. They signed up for it at the ACTIVITIES EXPO, where all the multicultural groups are represented by booths. Their executive boards sit at the booths and try to get members to sign up. In several of these groups, you can be on the email listserv without paying dues (which means you can even be invited to events without paying dues, which are usually only $10 anyways). That way, you can choose to pay for whatever events YOU want to do.




And this is the girl who made it all possible in terms of this Food Fest- Sarah Chiapetta. She’s on the Homecoming Committee this year.

Internet at Tulane

Oops so it’s been awhile since I last posted. Ok partially this is my fault, but partially because the internet connection in my room has gone from bad to worse. Now many of you may not know this already, but Tulane, as a private university, doesn’t allow you to use file sharing software like Limewire. This means that you can’t really download anything you want to download because Tulane is particularly conscious about copyright laws. Now I tried to get around this by using another downloading system, using torrents, but that is what causes my internet to go from bad to worse.

But then I found this thing called ctrax. It’s like this free online music database, and its REALLY fast. It’s a great way to download music, and they have most of the popular music you’d find on Limewire anyways. And now, they’re letting you download a special player for it so you can put this music on your ipod like with files you download from Limewire. As a freshman, I never knew about this. Only after I got onto the Residential Hall Association did I find out. So pretty much I spent an entire two semesters being angry that I couldn’t download anything here. Ctrax is not a bad option, and they’re fast-growing as well. They also don’t violate copyright laws . . . which no longer is a concern for most of us but in the end, downloading music from Limewire is still sort of illegal.

So here’s to all you incoming freshman: Don’t fret about Limewire- check out Ctrax instead!

Bourbon Street Bluff

What are people really looking for on Bourbon Street?

I found myself wondering that when I was on Bourbon street awhile ago with my friends. Why do people go there?I was there at a jazz cafe, stuffing my face with beignets, enjoying some good music, when I looked outside the gates to the almost surreal world outside. The actual street is littered with these characters . . all of us searching for something.

Jazz on Bourbon

But what?

Bourbon Street’s appeal comes from its lawlessness and its ability to provide an easy good time no matter what. Part of that comes from its alcoholic beverages. The other part is because in some ways it embodies the spirit of New Orleans: flashy and colorful, living for the moment and the quelque chose ephemere (the here and now). The part that gives little regard to the past or future, to the yesterdays and tomorrows. The part that lets you get yourself into a stupor and not worry about waking up and getting things done the next day.

I think Bourbon Street is extremely appealing when you first get to college, like all things new and forbidden. It’s very exciting to be in that environment of lost souls, searching for a good time to forget about their troubles. For those moments you’re all the same, all there to have fun: laissez les bons temps rouler. Once you get a little older you start to see that Bourbon Street is only a temporary fix to problems that need a better approach. Plus, there’s a fine time to be had at Tulane and near it. You don’t need to go all the way to Bourbon to search for whatever you’re looking for. It might just be in front of you.

I bought this t shirt once that said BS: Bourbon Street. I think that pretty much captures it. If New Orleans were a card game, Bourbon Street would be its biggest bluff.

But when you’re in the mood for that, I guess its ok. Once in a while, you even need a little lie. And then you find the truth at Tulane, studying for classes, socializing with friends, playing somewhat treacherous intramural sports =) . . . . and you realize that you’re not like all those older people you see on Bourbon Street still searching.

My friend Sasha and beignets!

Me and Clint- lab partners then friends! A Tulane connection!

Only at Tulane . . . .

Battle Wounds

So for all of you wondering where I’ve been the last week I have two words: head injury.

I got it while playing soccer. Now granted, I’m not that good at soccer, and I probably shouldn’t have blocked a ball with my head and then fallen to the ground but still . . . . intramural sports is one of those things that I occasionally wish I hadn’t volunteered for but most of the time thoroughly enjoy.

Let’s just say my coordination with any type of ball is pretttty limited. Now in high school I did karate and dance . . . so I can move. But with a ball in my hand or around my feet . . not so much. But I’m a quick learner and I’m definitely learning the rules of the game. See that’s kind of how it goes for intramurals. You just get with these players that know what they’re doing. Nobody teaches you the rules, you have to sort of catch on. But you’ll become a LOT better player in the process.

And who knows if I’ll actually ever need to block a ball with my head again. Even with my head injury, my heart is still in the right place. I wish that’s all that counted . . . but I think I have some learning to do too! Next time I’ll definitely use some other body part . . . .

Oh the joys of college life!

Saints Game

So on Sunday, I went with my wonderful sorority to a Saints Game. We were vendors there, along with a whole group of Tulane students, and as a compensation for our hard work, we got to keep a commission on the concessions we sold and all the tips we received. We went up and down in the stands selling stuff. . . . . very grueling work but also very rewarding.

Rachel, Mayra, Lauren, Me, Iris, and Keisha (front)- go Xi Honeys!

More than just the money, going to the Saints game was another reason why we came to New Orleans to go to school. It was definitely a bonding experience for me and my sorority sisters in Delta Xi Nu, and we got to see all the fans at these games, all the fans who support their team no matter what. The Saints’ return to New Orleans marks a new beginning for this city, and the thousands of people dressed in fleur-de-lis gear certainly proved that. Even when we were outside the stands we could hear the crowds cheering and booing and we knew exactly what was going on. It was an incredible sense of pride and team spirit that I’ve honestly never seen anywhere else, not even at the University of Texas, which last year was certainly known for its football team.


The field before the game started














Me during the third quarter














Bucs are about to score . . . but that’s ok, we still beat ‘em in the end!

It’s because the Saints are more than just a football team like any other football team, college or professional. They’re a lot of attitude, representative of the people of New Orleans’. Every win of theirs says: “That’s right folks. We’re back and better than ever.”

Salsa Night

So Friday night was Salsa Night. For all of you who haven’t tried it, I strongly encourage you to!

We ended up going to Cafe Brazil, which is at the corner of Frenchman and Chartres. The cover is like $7, and they teach you how to salsa first. Then a band comes on around 10, and by 10:30 its easily the only place in New Orleans that’s already busy and packed. If you get there early enough, not only will you learn how to dance, but some Latino men will dance with you, further improving your skills. It’s a little different from your average club, considering many of the guys there are older, and people who have taken lessons in salsa and merengue just as a hobby. They will definitely respect you when you dance.

We took the bus down to Canal and walked what seemed a REALLY long distance, but it was good exercise and the weather was great. We didn’t walk on Bourbon, rather, we walked through le Vieux Carre and got to see some really interesting art galleries along the way. We had with us a New Orleans native who knew exactly where to go.

<<(Me and the girls on the bus on the way to Salsa Night)

I think in the end, a good night out is what you make of it. If you pick a place, have a plan, and have the right people with you, it can be successful no matter what. But here at Tulane, in New Orleans, salsa dancing will make it a great night out. How many other schools can say that? =)

RHA

So here I am now, more than a week later, still procrastinating? Why, you ask? Because I have been blessed with an 8 am organic chemistry lab. Now 8 am is awfully early for a class, and its definitely the only lab at this time. The only thing worse than an 8 am lab on Thursday is a 1-5 lab on Friday . . so here I am, stuck.

But I just got out of an RHA meeting that broke up the monotony of tonight, which consisted of and will continue to consist of my organic chemistry lab report. RHA, or the Residential Hall Association is a national organization for all the residence halls on every single campus. Our personal RHA is marked by funny characters and great people. Every Wednesday at 8, we get together for dinner and to talk about issues before the general body meetings, which consist of every dorm’s own government’s president and vice president. It’s more like a family dinner than an executive board meeting, and its totally different from any other organization I’ve been involved in so far. We threw a party about two weeks ago actually, and had hundreds of people show up. It was an immensely successful program . . . so successful that we want to throw another big event just for students to enjoy themselves with us! It’s definitely a college thing to simply throw a party for publicity, and for people to show up that aren’t even members of that organization. If you’re good, you might even recruit people at such an event . . . my comrades and I certainly put our name out there with our party. We even gave out T shirts that now we see students wearing all over campus.

See, this is what happens when you’re a sophomore. You get to know a lot of different people, and work with a lot of different people, and then, when you decide what you really want to commit yourself too, chances are, you’re going to know who is doing that with you. It’s a great combination and it really works out well when you’re running an organization and managing thousands of dollars with 7 other kids like you.

So here’s my tribute to the RHA!!

This is our t shirt design and unofficial slogan!

Socialization

So now its 11:30 at night and I find myself with several hours of psychology, english, and organic chemistry in front of me. Why? Because instead of doing all these things I was too busy kickin it with friends, running into other friends, and socializing with yet others. I managed to find out somebody in the mail room’s life story, hear about the latest episode of the tv show Divorce Court, and secure myself either an invite to a Grey’s Anatomy party on Thursday or a copy of the show in case I couldn’t be there. All important accomplishments, I thought . . . until I got to my room, saw my textbooks looking at me forlornly, and wondered how it was possible that I had just wasted my entire evening.

When you’re in college, there’s nobody there telling you there will be no tv, no video games, and no friends until you get off your behind and study. Unfortunately, this is a decision we have to make ourselves . . and its a decision most of us are still unwilling to make!

I mean its always great to be socializing and running into people. It’s one of the best things about Tulane. Just taking a short walk to go eat will result in at least four or five different social interactions, some even with the people that work at Bruff. It’s a friendly place.

But at some point you have to draw the line between squandering away an entire evening on those friends and having a good time.

It’s 11:30 . . . . . I think it’s time I draw mine.

AASU Car Wash

So on Sunday was the Asian American Student Union Car Wash.

Now I’ll admit, initially, this idea didn’t sound too appealing. My friends and I were out until about 4 in the morning, and smelling like we’d been out til then too. Getting up at 8 to shower to get dirty again washing cars . . . . . not too fun.

Until we got there of course! Suddenly the sun was shining and we were teaming up to tackle cars and advertise. And though you might think that standing on a street corner yelling, “CAR WASH” is pretty tedious, its actually not. It was interesting to see who would respond to that kind of advertising! And everybody had their own way of going about it as well . . . . one kid rolled up his pants and held the sign with CAR WASH written on it in a way that looked as though he was wearing nothing but the sign. It got a lot of laughs from all of us and even from some total strangers.

I wasn’t terribly efficient at the actual car washing, but I quickly learned the tricks of advertising on the street corner and I was put to use. The others however worked like a machine, with each kid taking initiative to get something done. Most people were pretty pleased with the job we had done with their cars, and tipped us well. This is the kind of thing that encourages you to do it again, to spend a day in the sun getting bugs out of peoples’ grills after having little to no sleep the night before. At least you’re doing it with your friends, right?
And that’s pretty much what you get when you join an organization like the Asian American Student Union. It’s not a huge organization, so everybody gets to know everybody else. It’s the perfect place to meet people that not only have stuff in common with you culturally, but interest-wise. Everyone who joins wants to know something more about Asian cultures, and there’s no better way to learn than to do it together.

So that can make even a car wash after 4 hours of sleep fun . . . . .

Getting Involved . . . Again

so here we are . . .getting involved . . . yet again.

Two days ago, Thursday, was like the DAY for getting involved. Everybody seemed to hold their meetings . . . .which meant I had 6 meetings in one night. Am I slightly overzealous? Perhaps . . . but there are the introductory meetings that will tell you if you’re really interested or not. So far I’ve been to meetings for Tulane DEMS, Science and Engineering Honor Society, Alpha Lambda Delta, step practice for my sorority Delta Xi Nu, dorm meetings, and the Residential Hall Association. And that’s just a few of the things I’m interested in . . . . .

<<(Me with my sorority sisters at the Activites Expo)

I really thought it would be easier to narrow stuff down as I got older. But I see so many new opportunities and its sort of difficult not to jump on them all. Going to introductory meetings is a nice way of figuring out where my real interests lie. I’m sure within the next couple of weeks I’ll find out for sure. I’m actually a little jealous of the freshman . . .8 months ago I didn’t even have all the opportunities that they have now to get involved. Many different organizations call for freshman representatives so by the time they turn into old people like me they know what they’re doing and can effectively help lead that organization.

So for all you freshman out there . . . . . please don’t sit at home and chill with your peeps and watch tv and talk on AIM and facebook stalk people ALL the time. This sort of stuff is good 4-5 hours a day . . . . with the rest of your time go LOOK around, grab a flyer, go to a meeting or two. You just might be surprised at what you find!

The best treasures are often hidden . . . . .

Back to Tulane

So here we are again- back at Tulane. It’s now been one week since I came back onto campus, and man has it been a fun one!

I have to say, although I wasn’t thrilled about starting classes again, and studying again, I was thrilled to see all of my New Orleans friends again. We’re a pretty widespread group, scattered all around the world during the summers. I was also thrilled to see my sorority sisters again . . it was great having that support network again. Even though I don’t know all of them as well as I know some of my friends, they still treat me like a sister!

And then of course, the freshmen! I’ve already met quite a few, and I certainly hope all of the them are like the kids I’ve met. They are ambitious and outstanding in their drive to succeed at Tulane. We all knew that a hurricane would change the types of students that would be attracted to Tulane, and now we can see that in one way, its almost helped the character of the incoming classes.

We had our first Activities Expo, TUCP program (LUDACRIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!), and even all the frat parties began. It was strange doing it all over again 7 months later . . . but this time, I was a sophomore. This time, I was the one running the stuff at the activites expo. This time, I was in the SECOND ROW at Ludacris, and this time, I knew which frat houses to go to and when.
. . its good to be back!

Russian Fun

So long time no talk, right?

Well in the past month I finished up Lagniappe with pretty good grades, partied a little, and made a lot of new friends . . . . I got close to some peoplpe that I never would have gotten close to otherwise. I guess that’s one thing about Tulane– there are so many different people but if you run into someone once, you’ll probably run into him/her again. So its not like the two of you can just go on with your separate lives and never see each other again. Which brings me to my most recent story . . . .

This summer, I was in two lab classes, one of which was a difficult advanced biology lab. I made friends with another kid, as I didn’t know anyone and was the youngest person in this lab. This kid turned into more than my lab partner . . . he turned into my friend.

And now, 7 weeks after we met, we’re hanging out in Russia together. My family actually lives in Russia, but his uncle works here. So by random coincidence we’re both here at the same time, staying a 12 minute walk away from each other. In fact, just last night we were at a popular expatriot hangout, watching Russian teens dance to techno, and we thought, “man, we New Orleans people need to show them how to dance!”

And so we did!

Me and Clint














Dancing the night away . . . .

Summer Fun

Wow, I can’t even believe that the Lagniappe semester is a third over. I just had my first midterm today in Molecular Biology, and boy was I unprepared!!!!

See, its summertime. And during the summer I’m definitely not inclined to work . . . and study . . . . . rather, I just want to hang out all the time. And New Orleans is the perfect city for that!!! Two weekends ago I went tubing up in Covington . . . . apparently its a college kid thing to do that I never really knew about. It was so much fun! Then last weekend there were parties and barbeques that some of my new friends had- also another source of fun! I’m not even sure what craziness this weekend will bring, but I sure am excited about it.

It’s hard to remember I’m still in school and this is still a semester for me. I’m working or studying usually every day during the week, but its so hard to get into that mindset when you already have a three day weekend, and thus only have a four day week! I am definitely taking this time though to go out and about in New Orleans and do things I’ve never done and see things I’m yet to see. I know during the regular school year this is an opportunity I will no longer have.

And so its hot and humid here . . but its New Orleans, and somehow I don’t think the charm of this place ever wears off!

Hurricanes and all . . .

My friend Shivas, his dad, and me at his bbq









me at Audobon Park









The New Orleans skyline from the bridge over the lake












Girls gone wild at the bbq

Summer Plans

So this is my last blog for a little bit . . . . . its been an amazing adventure this year.

But more adventures lie ahead!!! Of that I am absolutely certain.The end of the year is marked by two important events:
1. The purchase of my OWN digital camera!!!
2. For the first time, I am completely on my own (meaning I have to live within my means)

This summer I’ll be here for Lagniappe, and don’t worry, I’ll let y’all know how hot and humid it is in New Orleans in May and June!!! But after that, I’ll be joining my folks in Moscow, Russia. In August, I’ll be going to India by myself for two weeks. And then I’m TRYING to talk my dad into a trip someplace exotic . . . but we’ll see on that one! Regardless, I think I’ll be travelling enough over the next few months. My goal is to get through Lagniappe with a near perfect GPA and a brand new job at the Freeman Business School and then enjoy a summer without any major worries. Around August I’ll start the 1000 word story that is due in my creative writing class in the fall.

In Russia, I’ll read, write, socialize, shop, and volunteer. (Not in that priority order, of course) It’ll be a rather . . intellectual life. People always ask me what its like living over there, and I always tell them its some kind of freedom. When you become completely disconnected from all the drama and tension in your everyday life, its a sort of freedom. You can live however you choose and there is no one to judge you, no one to tell you no, and no one’s standards you have to meet.

And when I come back full swing in August, oh the tales I’ll have to tell . . . . .!!!

"Hometown"

So today I visited my high school.

And as I walked through the halls, I couldn’t help but feel . . lonely.

I realized that as I walked through those halls . . . . I was a year older, a year wiser . . and a year more experienced in the game of life. This distinguished me from the other students walking in the halls, and it became painfully evident that I just didn’t belong. I mean, I saw my friends and visited my old teachers, and that was definitely rewarding . . . .but something just didn’t feel natural anymore. When I was a senior I spent my time cruising in and out of the school as I pleased, on top of the world and everyone in it. It had been my territory, my domain, and most of all, my home.

And now I was back at Friendswood High School in the small town of Friendswood, Texas, where I spent nearly 10 years of my life, and it just wasn’t the same. Everyone didn’t know me. My friends had lives of their own. And suddenly, I was no longer in the picture. It’s a weird feeling, knowing that just one year ago that girl walking in the debate room or principal’s office was you. It’s a weird feeling knowing you were so close with this teacher or that one and now she barely recognizes you. It’s a weird feeling knowing you’re not there to go to class and meet up with the same people you’ve been around for most of your life.

They say home is where the heart is . . . . and I think all of us are going through experiences now where we realize our hearts are no longer where we left them. For me personally, this year has been a journey all about finding home, and I still don’t know where that is. Is it in Moscow, with my family? Is it in Austin, with my UT friends? Or is it in New Orleans? What about Friendswood, where I spent my most trying years?

Maybe “home” doesn’t really mean anything besides a place where you can be happy.

In that case, my “hometown” of Friendswood is no longer the top contender.

Tulane Routine

So now finals are OVER for everybody on campus. It’s the first official day of summer vacation for Tulanians, and I personally am spending my vacation in Houston.

Except that my vacation is a week long! I’ll be back for Lagniappe, like almost all of my friends. I was talking on the phone with a friend of mine from LSU, and he too was contemplating summer classes. But unlike us, he had been at LSU for the entire year and was getting sick of the campus and of the food. We personally are still enjoying it to the max!!!

I feel like it would be really hard to get sick of Tulane. Although there are places and events that tend to become routine, there are also lots of situations that make them vary every time. For example, this Friday night, we celebrated our friend’s last night here. It was Cinco De Mayo night.

Now being from Houston, I know how Cinco De Mayo is usually celebrated. But I didn’t expect a celebration in New Orleans of all places! That night, I saw literally everyone I knew. From people on the Residential Hall Advisory with me next year to my graduate hall director this year, I saw everybody coming out and having a good time. All the people that were done with finals (and even those who weren’t) were out celebrating.

Now I wish I could tell you that we had a grand adventure in downtown, in the French Quarter, or on Bourbon Street. Nope. We ended up going with our usual routine. But its a routine that’s been tested, and it definitely works. Sometimes, to have fun, all you need is to walk around on the street and do a little dancing and then end up at the Big Easy with everybody else. When I was in high school I had adventures driving out to town to test out this club or this restaurant but here at Tulane, everybody just kinda goes with the flow. And when everybody does it, its always a great time.

Only at Tulane . . . . . . .

(Roshni and me- her last night at the Big Easy!)>>

One Act Plays

So on Thursday night I saw the One Act Plays . . . . . .

I’ll admit that I didn’t want to see them. They were like 3 hours long and they had nothing to do with the final I had to take on Saturday. I was MAD. I wanted to be cramming . . . . . and so I took all my notes and decided to cram during the plays.

Until the first one started. The first play was Leonardo’s Last Supper and it was a play about the family of a burial man. At first, I didn’t know what was going on, but then the plot started to unfold. The main character was a somewhat cranky man who seems really sadistic. I couldn’t figure out if they were cannibals until Leonardo himself came into the picture. The play quickly turned from mildly confusing to hilarious!!! There was also an abundance of humorous song and dance, and both of the students playing the parts of the burial man and his wife were blessed with amazing voices. And then I totally forgot about my genetics notes . . . .

The next play was a series of three by William Donelly. One of my Performance classmates, Lauren, was really brilliant as the secretary in the first dialogue. She played a somewhat disconnected secretary who comes into touch with her religious side when she meets Jesus. The next play was a satire dripping with social commentary. It starts with a worker who finds an accounting error in the books of a large company, and follows her through her home life, the affair she has, and the bosses she goes through. The final play in the set is about two kids who go through life together and what happens when one of them dies and finally is alone. It’s a transition from funny to satirical to touching . . . . a great change in mood to keep my attention!

The next play was WASP, and it brought up a lot of issues about science, religion, and faith. It was actuallykind of sad, because it brought up a wife’s dilemma with her family and the voices in her head. It proves the point that perfection is really superficial. I was surprised to see this play after the first two comical bits. Each of the characters had some sort of aside that represented their true views about their life. And again, I was totally captivated . . . .

The final play was called God, and it was about plays within plays within plays within plays . . . . . and how they all turn out. It was kind of confusing, but everything was framed in each other and it was a pretty exciting turnout. The light part, and the use of my other Performance classmate Liz for asides/prompts offstage was also really interesting!!!

I was enraptured til the very end. It was three hours, but it certainly didn’t seem like it. Which really just proves the point that sometimes you find little treasures in the oddest places . . . . they’re everywhere at Tulane!!!

TU TAs

I have a lab final in twenty minutes . . . . . and I’m going to take a moment to appreciate my TA, Gopal.

My roommate, friends, and I, between all of our chemistry labs, have a conglomeration of TAs that are Indian, Russian, Caucasian, and Chinese. And boy do they make our day!

My TA Gopal is probably the nicest man I’ve ever met. He hangs out with my roomie’s TA, and he has a thick accent and his voice cracks when he speaks. He’s always eager to help us, and he gets excited when he sees us outside of class. I’m quite an appreciator of his mannerisms, as is everybody else in his class. He does his absolute best to make sure we understand the experiment, and when we yell out his name in frustration in the middle of the lab he always comes over to have a look at our experiment and correct whatever we’re doing wrong.

Every Thursday at the beginning of lab he gives us a short lecture on what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. Sometimes we don’t pay attention . . . . . but he tries hard to make us listen anyways. I was really surprised to find myself with him, and a chinese TA for my other lab in the middle of New Orleans, Louisiana, but it just proves that diversity exists in the most random places!!!

Now we all know that chem lab is generally not too much fun . . . .but with TAs like these, its a lot better. I feel like no one taught these people who are only a little older than us to reach out the way they do, but they understand the frustration of not understanding and try to facilitate our lab experiences as much as possible. This is unique to TAs that tend to be immigrants or international students because unlike others, they don’t automatically assume that we get it.

Really, in a million years, I would have never expected to meet my TA Gopal at Tulane University. But after a semester of lab, and with my lab final approaching in now 10 minutes, I’m really glad I met him. It was just another experience I never thought I’d have at Tulane and I did and ultimately it expanded my horizons a little farther.

And isn’t that the whole point of college? To expand the horizons, stretch the bounds of the imagination . . . . .

Anyways, I have to go to my final now!

Semiformal Fun

Sometimes, the best part of a year’s hard work is the celebration at the end!

. . . . which brings me to AJ’s Semiformal 2006 Adventure. Ironically enough, the two semiformals I had to attend were held at the same place, at overlapping times. There was the India Association of Tulane University’s semiformal in the upstairs of a restaurant, and my sorority’s downstairs at the same restaurant. It was amazing!!!

We had a great night! There was food, there was dancing, and there was great company! Semiformal is not only an excuse to get dressed up, but an excuse to tell other people they look great without hitting on them. (Or so I thought! =) )

My date Austin wasn’t feeling terribly well on our Semiformal night, but we still had a great time. What adventures we ended up having . . . . . . we had to figure out a way to rotate between the two formals, almost lost my sorority’s scrapbook, left early, and then my suitemate left my purse filled with her belongings in a cab. She was a tad emotional, so Austin was pulling tricks out of his hat left and right to keep her from crying. It was a night that I’ll definitely remember.

Then a few hours later the other kids started coming home . . . . some in better shape than others. A night out on the town wearing the pointy heels with plenty of food and drink can really wear on a person! There is such a thing as having too much fun!

All in all, it was amazing. While there a friend of mine called me from LSU and complained that he never had a chance to dress up like that (and he LOVES dressing up!).

All I had to say was hey . . .it’s Tulane. It’s classy.

Austin telling a joke to me!

My suitemate Jen and me

Jen and Chris

Awww . . . my date Austin and me