So, its very hot in New York. Its been ninety degrees and above for the past couple of days now. This means that it must be blazing in Philadelphia and there's a good chance that its hot where you are too. Try and keep cool, and don't do anything crazy that might cause a heat stroke or anything like that.
This blog is not about the heat though. Its about my favorite thing in the world. Money!! When you get to Drexel, you're going to need money. There are great malls in the area (trust me I know) and mommy and daddy aren't going to be around to buy groceries and shampoo and all those things.
So first set a budget. Decide if you plan on having a job the first year, or if you're going to wait it out. If you have work study, that's you're ticket right there. There are plenty of places around campus for work study students to work for their funds (I worked in the Student Life Office).
If you don't plan on working, then suggest to your parents an allowance. You decide if its monthly, weekly, or even bi-monthly. By having an allowance (and not just asking for money out of the blue), financial planning is made easier and it takes a lot of strain off of the parentals.
Start thinking about finances early. If you're a shopper like I am, plan accordingly. If you just like a snack here and there, then you won't need nearly as much money as others might need.
Overall, if you find yourself stuck and broke all the time when you get to Drexel, there are plenty of people around campus that can help. Have fun at orientation, and I'll see you all soon!!
Shanowya
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Summer Vacation!!
Hello my fellow Drexelers! I bet you're all excited about getting ready to be college students. Last summer I couldn't wait to set foot on campus! I noticed on Facebook that some of you guys are already attending orientation. I hope you all are enjoying the dorms and the dining hall (two places you'll learn to love).
I decided to dedicate this blog to shopping. Not like clothes shopping (although I did just spend tons of money of summer clothing!), but college shopping. There are a couple of things that you guys are going to need, other things mentioned may just be things I think you should have.
So first off, you probably got that package in the mail about ordering bed sheets (if not you'll get it soon). I strongly suggest you buy your sheets from there. I mean, it takes away from running around and trying to find the perfect sized sheets and the catalog has great colors.
So when you finally buy your bed sheets, get plenty of storage material. That was a mistake I made my first year. I assumed that all my stuff would just fit. It didn't!! I ended up buying more storage while in school. Also when you have more places to store your stuff in bulk, it makes moving in and moving out a breeze.
Okay, don't bring a lot of recreational stuff from home. I brought tons of board games, coloring books, reading books, everything! My mistake again!! Drexel has so many things to do around campus, you won't need half the things that I brought with me. Maybe one or two games to play with your roomie or the girls on your floor is cool, but don't over do it like I did.
I'll be sure to mention more things as they come along in the blog. The best advice I can give is to know yourself, and to pack accordingly. Don't pack everything in the world, but be prepared. Don't worry, I'm going college shopping again soon. And I'm ordering more sheets and blankets from the catalog. Love you all and speak to you soon!!
Shanowya :-)
I decided to dedicate this blog to shopping. Not like clothes shopping (although I did just spend tons of money of summer clothing!), but college shopping. There are a couple of things that you guys are going to need, other things mentioned may just be things I think you should have.
So first off, you probably got that package in the mail about ordering bed sheets (if not you'll get it soon). I strongly suggest you buy your sheets from there. I mean, it takes away from running around and trying to find the perfect sized sheets and the catalog has great colors.
So when you finally buy your bed sheets, get plenty of storage material. That was a mistake I made my first year. I assumed that all my stuff would just fit. It didn't!! I ended up buying more storage while in school. Also when you have more places to store your stuff in bulk, it makes moving in and moving out a breeze.
Okay, don't bring a lot of recreational stuff from home. I brought tons of board games, coloring books, reading books, everything! My mistake again!! Drexel has so many things to do around campus, you won't need half the things that I brought with me. Maybe one or two games to play with your roomie or the girls on your floor is cool, but don't over do it like I did.
I'll be sure to mention more things as they come along in the blog. The best advice I can give is to know yourself, and to pack accordingly. Don't pack everything in the world, but be prepared. Don't worry, I'm going college shopping again soon. And I'm ordering more sheets and blankets from the catalog. Love you all and speak to you soon!!
Shanowya :-)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Updates
I know it's been a long while, but I have so much to tell you guys!! So first off, the weekend with my sisters was great. I went shopping with them (as planned). We spent five hours in King of Prussia. We went to dinner. We actually didn't make it to the Greek Step Show, but we did go to the after party. It was great!! We got to watch the Greeks do their stroll and we got to listen to their chapter music, and we even got to experience some of the love between the brother and sisters of each fraternity and sorority. The fact that there were some beautiful looking college men at this party didn't hurt either.
So, during these past few weeks, I've been attending more CEO workshops (CEO is a leadership series that Drexel had every term. Drexel certifies students as leaders if they attend a certain number of leadership workshops offered). I went to a CEO workshop about life five years after college, one about sports and leadership, and I attended one tonight which assisted leaders of student organizations with challenges faced in their groups. The CEO workshop I found most interesting had to do with Starbucks. It was telling student leaders how to "caffeinate their org". The presenter used the success of Starbucks as a guideline for the success of all student organizations on campus. I loved it!! When you guys get here, definitely check out CEO.
Spring Jam (an annual concert held by Drexel) was amazing this year. We hosted Ben Folds, and everyone was in agreement that he was great!! Spring Jam is a huge deal here on campus, because what teenager doesn't love music? There were t-shirt give aways. Bands formed by students performed (so if you meet some friends here and you guys form a band, you can participate in Battle of the Bands and Spring Jam). I loved Spring Jam because of the hype. Students had been looking forward to this all year and Drexel did not disappoint.
The most recent event I went to was actually held last night. For those of you that have never heard of Post Secret, it is a system in which you mail secrets to the founder of the organization and he publishes them online and in his books (he has four so far). Frank Warren, the founder of Post Secret, held a lecture last night right here on campus! He spoke about how he came up with Post Secret, how he picks the secrets he publishes in his books, and how the secrets affect his own life. I loved it!! At the end, people had the option of asking questions or sharing their own secret. Some secrets were funny, others were more serious and life changing. The questions were great, and I ended up buying one of Frank's books at the end. He autographed it for me and he signed my roommates ticket (the one she used to get into the show).
So as you can see, Drexel is doing more than enough to keep up the fun part of college. I plan on going to Cirque De Soleil, which is only $30.00 for a ticket, opposed to $70.00 when you buy for the theater. There's a jazz show this Friday which is only $6.00. There are gospel choir performances coming up, the Spring Concert is right around the corner, and the free back massages during finals week always make me excited!! Again, I'll be sure to keep you posted. Love you all <3
Shanowya (Greatness Personified)
So, during these past few weeks, I've been attending more CEO workshops (CEO is a leadership series that Drexel had every term. Drexel certifies students as leaders if they attend a certain number of leadership workshops offered). I went to a CEO workshop about life five years after college, one about sports and leadership, and I attended one tonight which assisted leaders of student organizations with challenges faced in their groups. The CEO workshop I found most interesting had to do with Starbucks. It was telling student leaders how to "caffeinate their org". The presenter used the success of Starbucks as a guideline for the success of all student organizations on campus. I loved it!! When you guys get here, definitely check out CEO.
Spring Jam (an annual concert held by Drexel) was amazing this year. We hosted Ben Folds, and everyone was in agreement that he was great!! Spring Jam is a huge deal here on campus, because what teenager doesn't love music? There were t-shirt give aways. Bands formed by students performed (so if you meet some friends here and you guys form a band, you can participate in Battle of the Bands and Spring Jam). I loved Spring Jam because of the hype. Students had been looking forward to this all year and Drexel did not disappoint.
The most recent event I went to was actually held last night. For those of you that have never heard of Post Secret, it is a system in which you mail secrets to the founder of the organization and he publishes them online and in his books (he has four so far). Frank Warren, the founder of Post Secret, held a lecture last night right here on campus! He spoke about how he came up with Post Secret, how he picks the secrets he publishes in his books, and how the secrets affect his own life. I loved it!! At the end, people had the option of asking questions or sharing their own secret. Some secrets were funny, others were more serious and life changing. The questions were great, and I ended up buying one of Frank's books at the end. He autographed it for me and he signed my roommates ticket (the one she used to get into the show).
So as you can see, Drexel is doing more than enough to keep up the fun part of college. I plan on going to Cirque De Soleil, which is only $30.00 for a ticket, opposed to $70.00 when you buy for the theater. There's a jazz show this Friday which is only $6.00. There are gospel choir performances coming up, the Spring Concert is right around the corner, and the free back massages during finals week always make me excited!! Again, I'll be sure to keep you posted. Love you all <3
Shanowya (Greatness Personified)
Friday, April 25, 2008
M.G.C.
Hello, this week has been amazing. Busy, but amazing. So I just had an overnight, and I must say I did enjoy her company very much. She was very talkative, very nice, very sweet, and she asked me a ton of questions! That was like the perfect overnight situation. We went to dinner at Bubble House, and you know what? The salmon at Bubble House was simple amazing (especially since I love fish). We also went to Rita's, but this time we went to the one in Center City instead of the one on South Street. It was right across the street from the Kimmel Center, which is where all the orchestra shows and everything else goes on. That was great!
Also on Wednesday, I went a meeting about African American fraternities and sororities and the various stereotypes about them. The meeting was very informative, and very funny to say the least. I learned about the various African American greek organizations, the good sides only (that was the point of the meeting, to debunk myths and tell the truth about the organizations). Like I said in my last post, the M.G.C. step show is this weekend and my sisters are so excited about going! (I'm just as excited as they are, it's so hype at those step shows!!) You should definitely check those things out when you get there.
So, tomorrow, let me recap. I'm going to King of Prussia with my sisters (King of Prussia-ing is what we call it, because it's an entire life style in itself. Shopping is a job!). The Penn Relays are this weekend, that's going to be outrageously fun! And the step show (make sure you check out the link on facebook, it's right in the paragraph before this one, it'll tell you all about the event).
I hope you guys enjoy this weekend. And when you come to Drexel, this is only a tiny portion of all the fun things you'll have to do.
Shanowya (Greatness Personified)
Also on Wednesday, I went a meeting about African American fraternities and sororities and the various stereotypes about them. The meeting was very informative, and very funny to say the least. I learned about the various African American greek organizations, the good sides only (that was the point of the meeting, to debunk myths and tell the truth about the organizations). Like I said in my last post, the M.G.C. step show is this weekend and my sisters are so excited about going! (I'm just as excited as they are, it's so hype at those step shows!!) You should definitely check those things out when you get there.
So, tomorrow, let me recap. I'm going to King of Prussia with my sisters (King of Prussia-ing is what we call it, because it's an entire life style in itself. Shopping is a job!). The Penn Relays are this weekend, that's going to be outrageously fun! And the step show (make sure you check out the link on facebook, it's right in the paragraph before this one, it'll tell you all about the event).
I hope you guys enjoy this weekend. And when you come to Drexel, this is only a tiny portion of all the fun things you'll have to do.
Shanowya (Greatness Personified)
Monday, April 21, 2008
The Drexel Experience
Well hello party people, last week is a crazy week, and this week is going to be even better! Well, last Thursday, I had an overnight. She was actually very nice and we had a great time. We decided to go to South Street (a shopping area in Philadelphia) for Rita's shaved ice (I got mango, which is the best flavor ever created on the face of this planet). We also watched Lion King 1 1/2 and just talked about Drexel (as we all know I can talk about Drexel for hours and hours).
In addition the my overnight, I went back to South Street with my roommate and our friends on Saturday. During the drive, we passed the Liberty Bell. We kept running into these men dressed in colonial style clothing, and we also saw a Benjamin Franklin look alike. I almost passed out! When we got to the gallery, we spent more money than we should have, but the experience was great. While we were in the gallery, there was a group of children dancing to Kirk Franklin in the lobby. The children were dressed in all white with little basket hats on, they looked so beautiful. The dancing was well done also.
In celebration of Passover at Drexel, Drexel Hillel had a 2nd night Sedar in Behrakis Grand Hall. The Jewish students of Drexel performed the Sedar ceremony, had dinner, and socialized. It was a great event. While sitting in on the event, I learned a lot about Jewish customs regarding passover and everyday life. It was a one of those great diversity moments here on campus.
Alright, now to the fun stuff. This weekend is the Penn Relay. In simple terms, it's a fun weekend for all involved. There's a MGC step show this Saturday. This means that the African American fraternities and sororities (commonly called the Divine Nine) are going to step and tell all the students who attend how great their greek organization is. This is a big deal for the African American students on campus because it's like a southern probate. It's stomping, it's yelling, it's excitement, it's fun!! I can't wait. My little sisters are going to be here this weekend also, so it would be great for them to experience the step show also.
In addition to the step show, there are some parties around campus. The brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi are having a pajama party, there's a pool party a bit off campus, there's a party that allows you to represent your state. It's going to be a busy weekend! The Penn Relay effects the entire area of University City. So when you get to Drexel, this will definitely be one of the events that will keep you on your toes.
I'll be sure to update you guys on what's going on and how the weekend went. It was great talking to you guys again!!
Shanowya (Greatness Personified)
In addition the my overnight, I went back to South Street with my roommate and our friends on Saturday. During the drive, we passed the Liberty Bell. We kept running into these men dressed in colonial style clothing, and we also saw a Benjamin Franklin look alike. I almost passed out! When we got to the gallery, we spent more money than we should have, but the experience was great. While we were in the gallery, there was a group of children dancing to Kirk Franklin in the lobby. The children were dressed in all white with little basket hats on, they looked so beautiful. The dancing was well done also.
In celebration of Passover at Drexel, Drexel Hillel had a 2nd night Sedar in Behrakis Grand Hall. The Jewish students of Drexel performed the Sedar ceremony, had dinner, and socialized. It was a great event. While sitting in on the event, I learned a lot about Jewish customs regarding passover and everyday life. It was a one of those great diversity moments here on campus.
Alright, now to the fun stuff. This weekend is the Penn Relay. In simple terms, it's a fun weekend for all involved. There's a MGC step show this Saturday. This means that the African American fraternities and sororities (commonly called the Divine Nine) are going to step and tell all the students who attend how great their greek organization is. This is a big deal for the African American students on campus because it's like a southern probate. It's stomping, it's yelling, it's excitement, it's fun!! I can't wait. My little sisters are going to be here this weekend also, so it would be great for them to experience the step show also.
In addition to the step show, there are some parties around campus. The brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi are having a pajama party, there's a pool party a bit off campus, there's a party that allows you to represent your state. It's going to be a busy weekend! The Penn Relay effects the entire area of University City. So when you get to Drexel, this will definitely be one of the events that will keep you on your toes.
I'll be sure to update you guys on what's going on and how the weekend went. It was great talking to you guys again!!
Shanowya (Greatness Personified)
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
A Night Out...
So once again, it's been a while, and I have to catch you guys up with what's going on on campus. This weekend was accepted students days, for all of you guys that came out, we were more than happy to see you. There were tours, information sessions, and plenty of great Drexel staff and student ambassadors to make the event everything you guys needed. Four out of five of students I asked are actually coming to Drexel. The only reason why the extra one couldn't give me an answer was because she didn't get her financial aid package yet, but I have a good feeling she'll be coming here too.
So, what have I been up to? Well, this weekend my roommate had company. Her friend from Maryland came to visit and we just spent a girls weekend out. So we went to Chili's, and got caught in the rain (thank goodness it was warm outside). We actually went to visit some of my friends a little bit off campus and had a blast. It was another one of those nights out on Philadelphia.
Tonight (Tuesday night), there was actually a free movie being shown at a movie theater, The Bridge (which I mentioned before). The movie is actually called "The Wackness". It features Mary-Kate Olsen, Method Man, and Ben Kingsley. I'm not too sure what's it's about, but it's the simple fact that it's free. Drexel also offers free tickets to the new movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall. It's something to do to kick back and relax with your friends. There are numerous parties going on around campus also because of the Penn Relay and Temple's Homecoming. I'm not a big partyer though, but it's something else to do to unwind (all of the parties I've been too have been completely safe. Only party with people you are familiar with and only go to places that you know are safe).
Well future dragons, it's late and I have another paper to write. To all of you coming to the overnights, I'll see you there. May 1st is approaching fast, and with it, the decisions of all the colleges you've applied to. Remember to choose what school fits you (hopefully Drexel is it!!)...
Shanowya (Greatness Personified)
So, what have I been up to? Well, this weekend my roommate had company. Her friend from Maryland came to visit and we just spent a girls weekend out. So we went to Chili's, and got caught in the rain (thank goodness it was warm outside). We actually went to visit some of my friends a little bit off campus and had a blast. It was another one of those nights out on Philadelphia.
Tonight (Tuesday night), there was actually a free movie being shown at a movie theater, The Bridge (which I mentioned before). The movie is actually called "The Wackness". It features Mary-Kate Olsen, Method Man, and Ben Kingsley. I'm not too sure what's it's about, but it's the simple fact that it's free. Drexel also offers free tickets to the new movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall. It's something to do to kick back and relax with your friends. There are numerous parties going on around campus also because of the Penn Relay and Temple's Homecoming. I'm not a big partyer though, but it's something else to do to unwind (all of the parties I've been too have been completely safe. Only party with people you are familiar with and only go to places that you know are safe).
Well future dragons, it's late and I have another paper to write. To all of you coming to the overnights, I'll see you there. May 1st is approaching fast, and with it, the decisions of all the colleges you've applied to. Remember to choose what school fits you (hopefully Drexel is it!!)...
Shanowya (Greatness Personified)
Friday, April 4, 2008
Welcome Back Week
So, spring break is over and it's time for my third term as a freshman here at Drexel. This week has been really rough. Between adjusting to new classes and buying books and the impatience of summer, things can get a bit crazy during the first week of spring term. Guess what though? I did manage to slip some fun inbetween all the new classes and the pressure to do well.
Well, last Saturday was a friend of mine's birthday. Yet, we all weren't here last Saturday, so we had to improvise for her birthday. So, my roomate and a few of her friends planned a surprise party for her. There was a cake (which we bought at Ross Commons, a food place on campus, with money from our meal plan), there was decorations, there was pizza (from Ed's Buffalo Wings and Pizza, which is clearly the best place for wings and pizza, so try it out when you get here), and there was fun and love. Our friend tried to play it off like she wasn't happy or surprised that we decided to recognize her birthday, but everything went off so well. Another great thing about this little adventure was that everyone at the party is going to be my suite mates next year (I'll be living in an upperclassman dorm called Caneris), so the party was just a prelude to all the great things to expect as a sophmore.
So in addition to me having fun around campus, Drexel is planning to become bigger and better. New dorms, a better fitness center, and more resources around campus are just a few things we have cooking around here. I mean, how much better can Drexel get (obviously much better because we're constantly pushing the limits). So if you want to learn more about these new improvements, come on a campus tour (as I probably said, I'm a tour guide, so you might get me or one of the other wonderdul tour guides that I am friends with).
So...it's getting down to the wire. May 1st is the time where you'll probably know where you're going and starting to make preparations to actually get there. To all of you coming to Accepted Student Days next weekend, you will see me around. For everyone that comes on a tour, I promise I'll make you love Drexel as much as I do, and for those of you that simply want to find out more, there are so many resources!! Visit http://www.drexel.edu/ or you can actually call campus and a faculty member will be more than happy to answer your questions.
Talk to you guys soon....and I can't wait to meet you future Dragons!!
Shanowya (Greatness Personified)
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