The most important part of the NYC/NYU experience is having a professor that actually has lived/lives in the city for a long, long time.
"So when I was really young in the 80s, I saved up all my money and did extra chores to get this amazing, at the time, really hip video game system [excuse me for forgetting the name]. I finally got enough money and I was so ready to buy it. I was living in Brooklyn at the time. I remember when I finally saved up enough, and I was happily holding my cash in my hands to buy it...But then I got mugged."
The whole class gasped.
"This guy came up to me and was just like, 'hey kid, give me your money.'
'Why should I give you my money?',
'Because I have a knife in my pocket.' So, I gave him the money." We feel very bad for our professor.
Part of the experience in the classroom is the outside experience the professors provide for you!
"The Americans were so grateful for the French and their contribution to the American Revolution, we had a street named after the French general. Does the word 'Lafayette' bear any significance with you?" says another.
Well, did you know that? School here is always fascinating, and it was super nice to have a tour of the area around NYU in my first semester here with the New Student Seminar. As you can probably tell, I like to get to know an area.
One area I've gotten to know very, very well is my special section of Bobst Library.
3rd Floor. No one ever goes there (now that I've jinxed myself, it will forever be crowded and I will be forced to find another place to seek refuge). I love sitting around the issues of the NY Times and periodicals...sitting in my little desk next to the scary windows (but don't worry, NYU has put enough plastic around all the floors so you won't accidentally fall through), eating a little snack (by "snack" I mean imaginary food item--no eating allowed), reading a little for my next class...It's almost perfect.
What would make it more perfect?
...If Jude Law would just walk through those doors and say to me, "Jessica, why don't you and I ditch this place and go for a walk?"
Of course, he wouldn't be able to get in anyway. So, that plan is bust. Today, though, looking out onto the floor of the library, I saw a security guard doing a little dance. I go really early in the day after my French class, and he was just...dancing around. Moving his hips, swaying his arms...I could only imagine what music he was listening to...
Dance, dance.
PS: Tomorrow the Lakers play their first game of the season! I know, you're all dying of anticipation like me. Go Lakers!