So, O-Week is over, classes have already flooded my planner with innumerable assignments, and only eight days into the game, I already love my new home. I've transcended into a college student--so long to the days of high school uniforms and a cookie-cutter schedule comprised of an array of subjects. Moreover, I've transcended into a Blue Jay. Hopkins wasn't my first choice--I imagined myself at a liberal arts school a quarter of the size. But here I am, in full flight, a myriad of opportunities within a bird's-eye view, and I love everything in sight--the brick buildings trimmed with white columns; the people dotted along the beach; and the bustle of intellect swirling into a fervor of passionate ambitions.
Since I'm still acclimating to my very new surroundings, my favorite things about Hopkins are the obvious assets of the school. Nevertheless, these are the primary aspects of Hopkins life (so far) that have drawn me in and entrapped me into a lifelong commitment of forever being a Blue Jay.
1. The School Colors
I'm not going to lie, the light blue and white colors that fill the bookstore played a slight role in my decision to attend Johns Hopkins.
2. Baltimore
The proximity to the city is an amazing aspect of the school. Though in some ways there is a feeling of disconnect between the school and the city--the "Hopkins bubble"-- there is also an inevitable immersion. During orientation, freshmen were taken to various popular locations and the amazing city revealed itself to its new inhabitants. And from one of the off-campus apartment buildings, you can see the entire stretch of the Baltimore skyline while simultaneously de-stressing from the demanding workload from the preceding week.
3. The Beach
No, there is not a sandy coast in the middle of a Baltimore college campus. The beach is a grassy area where students lounge about as if they're at the shore.
4. The Daily Grind at Brody Learning Commons
A studying space is not complete without a sugary latte to fuel a hardworking mentality. And The Daily Grind is beyond delicious--complete with Milky Way and Ferrero Rocher flavored lattes.
5. The Upperclassmen
As a freshman, I was initially terrified of the upperclassmen (and still am). However, they are unexpectedly welcoming. At every party I've been to so far, I have been eagerly greeted by older students asking how I like it, and giving me their numbers so I can text them with any questions.
6. The Extremely Accessible Museums
I have yet to go to either of the museums on campus, but just the fact that there are two museums on campus is pretty amazing.
7. CharMar
Sushi, ice cream, milkshakes, coffee, salad bar... What more could a college student ask for in a conveniently located market endearingly dubbed CharMar.
8. The Campus
The picture doesn't even do it justice.
9. The Ice Cream at the FFC
I recently discovered the dangerous ice cream station in the Fresh Food Cafe--local Baltimore ice cream with an array of toppings to douse over decadent flavors stuffed into a sugar cone.
10. The School Spirit
Okay, so most of the people at the soccer game the other night were freshmen, but still--the spirited student body is prevalent. We sport our school gear, we rally for the sports teams (especially the lacrosse teams), and we revel in a diverse student body.
11. Embracing the "S"
Yes, it is Johns Hopkins. As perfectly articulated on the first night of orientation, embracing the all-too-often forgotten "s" at the end of our university's founder's first name is so important--it is about embracing the uniqueness of each of us as individuals.
