A transformative Intersession in Cuba

This past Intersession, I went to Cuba. The trip meant so much to me and it has taken me a while to write about it. I went with eleven other Hopkins students for the Intersession study abroad class. The fact that Hopkins even had the trip was one of the reasons why I chose to come here. I had been itching to go to Cuba since I was a freshman (and maybe even before then) when it was a class on Hemingway. I am glad that I took this class instead, which had a much broader artistic focus. After spending a semester in Rome, a place that I have studied since I was in the sixth grade, I was ready to go somewhere that I knew very little about but that had some sort of hold on me.

Dooby’s of Mt. Vernon: Come for the atmosphere, stay for the cookies

We’ll just put it right out there: Dooby’s is worth the trip. While our lunchtime noms could not surpass the dinner meal that simply ROCKED, we enjoyed the space for its laid-back vibe and convenient Charles Street people-watching. (This, by the way, is the perfect homework distraction.) Dooby’s turns off its Internet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accommodate the lunch crowd, so we worked in the beautiful and awe-inspiring Peabody Library (we’re sure studying in there actually makes you smarter) and then headed to Dooby’s for a late laptop lunch around two.

Self-representations and how to reconcile them with the truth

Hear your voice on tape, or watch your face on screen, and it’s alien. Unnerving. Disturbing.

When catcalling becomes racism

I don’t remember the first time I was catcalled, the first time I felt uncomfortable because of the way a man looked at me on the street or even the first time I was groped, but I remember the first time it had to do with my race.

A semester abroad in Amman, Jordan

As a double major in political science and archaeology who is also studying Arabic, studying abroad in Amman, Jordan was an obvious choice for me. It wasn’t as obvious to my family and many of my friends, who asked things like, ”Is it a safe?” or “Will you have to wear a burka?”

From the best to the worst: Oscars 2015 and a review in dresses

There are few things I love more than awards show fashion. The second the new year rolls around, I am filled with anticipation for the jaw dropping looks, the horribly placed layers and the inevitably unflattering gowns. To be fair, bad dresses happen to everyone. I, myself, thought my white fairy dress for junior prom was fashion. However, in my opinion, this year’s Oscars were less than underwhelming.

Being the only friend who didn’t go Greek

It’s that time of year. The Facebook cover photos have changed. The Greek keyboards have been downloaded. The date parties have started. Our five sororities have recruited their new members, and all these girls couldn’t be happier. But with so many of them having rushed and a few sororities hosting continual bidding, sometimes for the rest of us, it feels like everyone else went Greek.

Who were the original hipster dressers?

It’s an ancient story of opposites: yin and yang, light and darkness, cheap and chic, communism and capitalism. Though seemingly direct opposites, they contain traces of each other and, if taken to the extreme, provoke the same reactions. Or do they?

Digging to get to the center of ourselves

I’ve realized recently that self-evaluation is a really interesting thing.

Brewer’s: Go for butter, beer and burgers

We know, we know, everyone has already been to Brewer’s Art. And everyone who has been to Brewer’s loves it and tells their friends that when they go, they have to get the beer and steak frites. It’s the best in Baltimore. As foodies with fairly similar tastes, we find that when we disagree on a dish (in this case the steak frites), someone must be right and someone must be wrong. So, we figured on this cold, winter’s night, why not settle the long standing debate? And at the beginning of restaurant week with a $30 prix fixe when steak alone costs $28 on the regular menu, why not?!

Losing control of your own creation: A playwright learns to cope

There is nothing more unnerving than letting go of what you’ve created. IFP workshops are one thing — accepting criticism, listening attentively as your peers tell you, “It’s too melodramatic” or “You could really shorten this” — but watching a production of your own play? That’s a whole new precipice of stress.

What I’ll be rooting for on Oscars night

Party culture and the stress of Hopkins

It’s a typical Friday at Hopkins.

Ten things to do on Valentine's Day

February is upon us, and that means red and pink everything. Yes, it’s that lovely time of the year when romance is celebrated by the decorations in every store, restaurant or any public space, really. But as a freshman in college, is planning a date for Valentine’s Day really worth it? You’re probably so enthralled by your Chem lab that you have no space in your head for Valentine’s Day ideas.

Ten things to do on Valentine's Day

February is upon us, and that means red and pink everything. Yes, it’s that lovely time of the year when romance is celebrated by the decorations in every store, restaurant or any public space, really. But as a freshman in college, is planning a date for Valentine’s Day really worth it? You’re probably so enthralled by your Chem lab that you have no space in your head for Valentine’s Day ideas.

Spring trends: what's cool vs. cold

As springtime arrives, it’s time to clear out old trends and make room for the new looks of 2015. Velvet, corduroy and satin are quickly replaced by chiffon and denim as the temperatures increases and the sun begins to shine. This season is home to flattering cuts, feminine outlines and old-time charm.

Spring trends: what's cool vs. cold

As springtime arrives, it’s time to clear out old trends and make room for the new looks of 2015. Velvet, corduroy and satin are quickly replaced by chiffon and denim as the temperatures increases and the sun begins to shine. This season is home to flattering cuts, feminine outlines and old-time charm.

What is the value of varsity sports?

Because of its city location, Hopkins has very limited field space and outdoor athletic facilities. The vast majority of the time, these facilities are being used by varsity athletes, a very select group of students at the school. As far as I know, these sports teams are not self-sustaining (i.e. money from the University’s general fund goes into them, rather than the teams funding themselves through revenue and donations). Since the money from the University is generated from tuition and donations intended for the entirety of the student body, is it ethical for these very limited facilities to be earmarked for athletes?

A guide to romance for the lonely and alone

Valentine’s Day rapidly approaches, dropping our standards for Tinder rights — or rather, increasing the frequency of jokes about cheap chocolate and dates with fictional characters.