"Newly Acquired Pen"

Half the semester is done…already! That thought is simultaneously refreshing and yet creepy. I just got here in September 2009. And since I am in the Advanced Standing MSW track, I do not have much longer before I am finished with the program. Two semesters is very fleeting! [proceed with the stroll down memory lane]. It literally seems like yesterday that my professor at Rutgers University was suggesting NYU for grad school. After enough gentle prodding and many hours reading about the school at http://www.nyu.edu I decided to see NYU for myself. It was Friday, 11/21/08 when I chose to hop on over to NYU and visit its Washington Square campus. Having previously checked out two other graduate programs (one in NJ and the other in NY), I appreciated that NYU offered open drop-in sessions to tour the premises and have counseling individually. That was a personal touch that impressed me because when I thought of NYU, I imagined this monster campus that swallowed you up. On the contrary, when I arrived at the campus to speak to someone from the Admissions Department, it was nice to see the quaint Silver School of Social Work building nestled neatly on the corner of University Place and Washington Square North. The NYU community spanned many blocks, intricately weaving in with the diverse culture and crisp atmosphere. You really have to see it for yourself!

Not a frequent rider of the PATH trains, I asked my mom to join me. For her it was a delight because she formerly worked in Manhattan for many years before retiring after 32yrs of service in 2005. From Newark Penn Station, we took the PATH train to Journal Square (10 minute ride) and then connected with the train that goes to 33rd St. We exited at the 9th St station (that is stop #4 and roughly a 15-20 minute ride) and leisurely strolled to the campus. The walk was under 10 minutes. When we entered the building, the historic premise automatically took me back to another place in time. Seriously! There was an ambiance that ‘floated in the air’ and I was instantly captivated! We met with Robert Sommo in admissions. He entertained our questions from the application process to acceptance to scholarship monies to classroom sizes. He allowed us to peak in on a class that was in session. It was definitely at that moment that I envisioned myself sitting in the classroom at NYU. For me, it was a done deal! All I needed then was for NYU to accept me. At the end of our visit, my mom started inquiring about food (it was nearing lunch time) and wanted to know where to find falafel and Orange chicken. Mr. Sommo even gave her a few suggestions. Wow! To top that one better, by the time I got home, Mr. Sommo had already sent me an email thanking me for visiting the school. He even referred to my mom’s inquiries about the foods. How’s that for personal? [that concludes the stroll down memory lane].

In the midst of midterms right now, I just finished a research exam (of which I created 111 index cards to study) and submitted a paper for a different class on Thursday. Yes, I have healthy (hope so) levels of anxiety living with me right now. I have two additional papers that are due in the next two weeks. My intern experience is consistently busy as I have a caseload of 12 clients and I am working on a social policy project (a treatment fair). I cannot forget my obligation to the Phi Phi Chapter at NYU (Phi Alpha Honor Society for social work students). I have 5 hours of community service to fulfill before the semester ends. It sounds easy enough, right? Think so? OK! The tricky task is trying to match your availability to participate in the events (any given day) where the chapter has already partnered with select agencies and organizations. Not so easy to do when you factor in your school, intern, work and personal schedules. All of these experiences require that I am focused, flexible, and fearless. LOL...… (hey, any room for fun?)

Time is of the essence! Already the Spring term 2010 course selections are available for viewing. Whew! But in the hustle and bustle of life at NYU, the personal touch is not lost. I recently attended a bloggers meeting and I saw Mr. Sommo. After the meeting, I approached him and started with the line “Mr. Sommo, you may not remember me, but I visited NYU….” He replied that he did remember both my mom and I and he also pointed out that I had interacted at http://www.facebook.com with other newly admitted Advanced Standing MSW students.True story!

For the readers who stuck with me through this unusually long message, here’s a treat! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0&feature=youtube_gdata