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Henri Hodge
1. Translating.
https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-people-reading-book-sitting-on-chair-711009/
Okay, so this one is awesome, but definitely does not always feel awesome. This is like a secret superpower that you can whip out whenever you need it. At a Latinx restaurant with your American friends? Will I still order in Spanish? You betcha!
If your family doesn't speak English very well, there is an unspoken role that you, my anglophone friend, are given; the translator. This isn't a Google Translate type of, every now and then it's okay to slip up, type of translation. This is, fijate siempre (always pay attention) because there WILL be a quiz.
And this goes from English to Spanish, and Spanish to English both. I've sat watching La Rosa de Guadalupe sooo many times and had to explain what was happening to my younger sister or American friends.2. The food.
https://www.pexels.com/photo/sliced-vegetables-in-white-ceramic-bowl-1292984/
Um... need I say more? I'm a second-generation Peruvian-American, so it is my unofficial duty to inform you, my dear reader, that you have not LIVED until you have tried Peruvian ceviche. This amazing sour seafood dish is one of many dishes that will make your mouth water.
I'll never forget visiting my grandparents every weekend to eat authentic Peruvian food; aji de gallina, ceviche, lomo saltado, just to name a few dishes.
There are so many delicious dishes from different countries too! Mole from Mexico, Paella from Spain, Pupusas from El Salvador, and so many more!
3. Music.
https://www.pexels.com/photo/crowd-in-front-of-people-playing-musical-instrument-during-nighttime-196652/
Bachata, Cumbia, Merengue, Reggaeton, Salsa, etc.
If you've ever been to a Spanish get together, I guarantee you've heard Suavementeby Elvis Crespo, Selena Quintanilla, and maybe more modern artists like Daddy Yankee and Becky G.
Not only are these the best songs because they have the best beats to dance to, but more and more artists are singing in Spanish (Taki Taki, Mia, and even portions of Cardi B songs). Although it bothered me at the time, I miss sleeping over at my grandparents' house but failing as soon as the Puerto Rican neighbors would turn on their Reggaeton.
It feels like Latinx music grows with our generation, creating a more modern version of all the tracks we grew to love as children. Our music breathes culture and history and is quickly becoming more representative of the Latinx diaspora.
4. Family.
My grandparents and my sister celebrating my sister's 16th birthday.
Henri Hodge
Hispanic families are typically pretty big, but you love every one of your family members whole-heartedly! (Even the tia that isn't really your tia... yeah we all have THAT tia).
I have never experienced a bond as close with anybody else as I have with the bond that I have with my family.
Even if we are in the middle of a huge argument, I know that at the end of the day, they have my back. Family always comes together to make ends meet if money is tight, make food for Hispanic, help with life advice, and hit you upside the head with a chancla if you fall out of line.
Latinx identity is more intricate than just, "I'm Hispanic!". Many of us have only one parent from another country.
Although this list is a bit short, I would be here for years if I wrote all of the amazing things about being Latinx. So for now, hasta pronto! See you soon!
1. Munch on 12 grapes.
GiphyTo Spaniards, you can eat twelve grape in order to give your next twelve months luck and prosperity.
2. Take a stroll with an empty suitcase.
GiphyI would recommend this one if you have a real travel-bug! In a few South American nations like Paraguay, Chile, and Colombia, walking around with a suitcase means you will have a year chock-full of travel and adventures ahead.
3. Throw your plates against the wall.
GiphyIn Denmark, this seemingly violent tradition brings a good energy for luck for funky friendships in the next 365 days.
4. Fling a big bucket of water out of your window.
GiphyTraditionally, Puerto Ricans will cleanse the home of negative energy by throwing buckets of water out the window to wash away the terrible juju or regrets of the last year.
5. Or, you can throw old furniture out the window.
GiphyIn some parts of South Africa, people will actually yeet their fridges or chairs out of tall buildings to expel bad luck and start their new year brightly.
6. Slurp some lentil soup.
GiphyFor Brazilians, Lentils represent the alimentos do dia, designed to help with money troubles.
7. Gorge yourself like Estonians.
GiphyHave your own mukbang on NYE if you buy into the legend that dictates that the holiday should be celebrated with a lucky number of meals, with either seven, nine, or twelve plates. However many meals you choose, you're said to have the tenacity of that many people.
8. Slip on some red underwear.
GiphyAccording to Italians, this will bring you luck in your search for love.
9. Watch fireworks and give cash to kids.
GiphyThe firework was invented in China, so people in this country love to celebrate this holiday with a dazzling display of pyrotechnics while parents give their cute children allowance in red envelopes for financial luck of the entire family.
10. Flick the lights off.
GiphyIn Greece, families begin the big countdown and turn off the lights so that they can start the new year with clear eyes and full hearts (so they can't lose).
11. Resolve conflicts with your pals.
GiphyIn Japan, you cannot (in good conscience) start a new year with emotional baggage piled up from the last twelve months of your dramatic life. Buddhists especially emphasize this mindfulness, so they can start the new year with a clean slate.
12. Have a bonfire.
GiphyIn Scotland, many folks burn away the bad decisions of the past year so their new selves can metaphorically rise from the ashes.
1. Don't drink the water!
I was extensively warned by my relatives in Mexico that no matter what, under no circumstances, should I drink the tap water. I was worried about silly things like going to a new school, learning how to speak Spanish and making friends. I never thought that something as simple as water would be my worst nightmare. Of course, me being the rebellious moody teenager at the time, I thought it would be a great idea to make that decision for myself. Least to say I didn't get much sleep my first night in Mexico.
2. Taco Bell who?
After years of eating boxed mac and cheese and ham sandwiches, my palate was shocked to be experiencing a colorful array of spices. I quickly learned that Mexican cuisine was far superior to anything that an American fast food establishment had to offer. The one thing that could always bring families together was food! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were always an experience of love and passion. My taste buds have been suffering from their insatiable desire to be satisfied the way they were back in Mexico.
3. You'll have the most intimate interactions with strangers on public transportation
Only in Mexico would it be legal to cram over 15 people in a tiny minivan. These medieval commutes became an everyday ritual. I relied on these jam-packed minivans, also known as kombis, to get to and from school every day. Some people would have to stand in them because of how packed they were. Not to mention the crazy turns and hills that would leave me dizzy at the end of each ride.
The only positive thing I can recall about these death cabs is that they were insanely cheap, about 10 pesos per ride which is equivalent to about 60 American cents. You would have to squeeze in so close to one another to fit into them. I recall the day I met my best friend in one of these; he noticed we were wearing the same uniform. I mean, how could he not, we were practically leaning against each other. So I guess these kombis weren't so bad after all.
4. Food markets are actually magical fruit labyrinths
I would have never thought that I would be looking forward to the weekend, not to have fun with my friends or to enjoy my freedom from the uncertainties of Mexican high school, but to go to my local tianguis. A tianguis is an open-air market where vendors from surrounding villages and colonies would bring their produce to sell. It's a mash-up of different cultures and foods woven together by the charm and hospitality of Mexican farmers.
You could get anything at these tianguis, from boxer briefs to traditional clay sculptures and memorabilia. The best part of going to the tianguis every Sunday was the Huitlacoche quesadillas, literal corn fungus (it was good, trust me) and the Mamey fruit shaved ice. Walking through one of these markets was a magical experience, like I was walking through a visual representation of my country's vibrant history.
5. Halloween is 10x better in Mexico
Dia de Muertos or Day of the Dead is the Mexican celebration of our family and friends that have passed away. No witch costumes or trick-or-treating in this celebration. Creating an altar was probably the best part. You would surround a picture of your loved one with different offerings like bread, traditional Mexican dishes, and marigold flowers. If you were lucky you could steal one of these offerings in the middle of the night to snack on. I was, unfortunately, not so lucky and was met with the wrath of my mothers chancla.
6. F@#% the haters
One of the hardest parts of living in Mexico was going to school. Yes, I spoke Spanish before moving to Mexico, but I didn't speak it the way they did. I was also an easy target for bullies; not only was I the new kid, I was the new kid with an accent that was also very feminine. Being a gay male in Mexico was hard given that every generation of males are born with a healthy dose of Machismo (toxic masculinity) and homophobia. Despite this, I was still able to rise above the hate and make the best out of my experience. My experience in Mexico made me who I am today; I am now a thousand times more appreciative of what I have and for the privilege that I carry with me as a Mexican-American.
7. Being Mexican is kinda amazing
It's as if I was being isolated from a part of myself that I didn't know I had in me. Being Mexican in America is drastically different from being Mexican in actual Mexico. From the way you speak, the mannerisms, the scents, and the expressions you come face to face with every day, everything about living in Mexico was different and it was amazing. It is an experience that I wouldn't trade for anything.
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1. Flying to the back of the shuttle bus because the driver decided to floor it before you get a chance to sit down.
If this doesn't happen to you when you take the shuttle, you didn't go to Towson. You didn't pick a seat; the shuttle picked it for you depending on where you landed. Every Towson student knows which bus this is. If it's a full bus and you're standing, GOOD LUCK.
2. When the Chick-Fil-A workers come out with a fresh batch of nuggets and fries and you have to fight your way to get some before they run out.
I'm telling you, those lines are no joke. They even tried to put a divider between the chicken and fries as if it was going to do anything. Nope, people still reach over you with their smelly armpits and expect you to still have an appetite for chicken. Pits and chicken don't mix.
3. Always making headlines for something PROBLEMATIC.
From the white student union, to protests, to walk-outs, to claiming false HBCU status, and to many more issues, Towson makes the news for almost anything. No, everyone, this isn't something to be proud of, but you can't help what crazy stuff comes to our campus. No matter what foolishness happens at Towson, there is no doubt that we all come together. Towson Twitter will tell you.
4. Skipping class because you can't find parking…
Imagine parking determining if you are going to class today. For my commuter friends, I feel for you guys! Even if you live on campus all the way in West Village, I understand too.
5. On-campus construction playing with your feelings to the point where you think your whole life is a detour...
The amount of construction on this campus is frustrating to the point where I debate on whether I want to go to class or not. Detours are thrown at students left and right. I hope everyone realizes that the school is using our money for class of 2045. The campus better pay all of us back by that time period.
6. Paws Cookouts are nothing but a memory...
If you were here during the Paws cookout era then you've officially earned your Towson stamp. No, I'm not over-hyping this. Those cookouts were the MOVE. I'm still salty because we may never experience this again. At least have a "lot 26" cookout again. I'm actually class of 2020 and I never got to experience West Village parties, which makes me salty too.
7. Having the worst stomach ache of your life because you ate at Glen or Paws (You know what, I'll throw Panda Express in the mix too).
At this point, you are doing this to yourself if you continue to put your stomach through this drama. As an update, Glen is currently closed as of 2019. Hopefully it stays that way. (Disclaimer: I'm not mad at the milkshakes by Paws though.)
8. Losing your OneCard and crying so they won't charge you a big fee
Just letting you know, it's $15 for the first time, $50 for the second, $75….you don't want to hear the rest, I mean it's Towson.
9. Taking the Gold Route to University Village and then walking to West Village Commons to avoid SECU Arena.
If you haven't figured this easy life-hack by now then I don't know how else I can help you make your life easier. You're welcome! It's kind of like taking the shuttle to Commons just to walk to Carroll/Marshall Hall.
HOWEVER....if you're alone and it's dark out, I strongly recommend to not take the shortcut and suck it up.
10. Tower A Elevators (well, let's throw Towson Run in there too)...
Tower A has one of the best views on campus (as you go higher up). But I mean, you might as well have to take the stairs if you ever want to see that view. Towson Run elevators are down every day, so get used to those stairs honey.
11. When all you do is BREATHE and get notified about another charge added to your bursar account…
I'm actually serious. We get charged for a MANDATORY orientation. Got to love Towson. Update: I just learned that if you have 60 credits or more (aka being a junior), Towson will charge you.
12. The weird hours at P-Tux
Yeah, I don't know why P-Tux is open for 3 hours a day…that's just weird. If you ask a Towson student about their schedule, 83% of students will say they built their schedule around P-Tux hours.
13. You could care LESS about football but you never hesitate to go to Towson vs. Morgan.
Nothing is more exciting than a Towson vs. Morgan game. You will see EVERYONE you know and if you sit with all of the Towson clubs, the commentary is the best. Yes, we clearly accepted the fact that the Morgan marching band kills it every time.
14. 90% of students own a Slice of Towson T-Shirt or anything Pizza-related (and this isn't up for debate).
If you notice anyone with a "lost in the sauce," "you want a pizza me," "do you even slice," or an "uptown funk you up" T-Shirt, that means they got it from Slice of Towson. Slice of Towson, better known as "Slice," is a New York-inspired pizza shop located in the heart of Towson. They have really good deals throughout the hours and even serve pizza to drunk college students through their window service at night. For their special nights, they offer T-Shirts. The owner and employees are nice as well.
15. Owning 40+ free T-Shirts provided by the university.
Wait a minute, you're telling me that you PAID for Towson merchandise? Sweetie, you must be a first-semester freshman or transfer. Actually, even THEY know better. All you have to do is stand in place and watch how many shirts get thrown at you.
16. If you don't have food to eat, just sit in the union for 3 hours..trust me, you'll leave that building full.
The union always has something going on everyday. SGA always provides pizza or finger food from Black & Gold.
17. Spending $400+ on textbooks that you are NEVER going to look at.
I mean, this is every school, but have you SEEN these prices for just one access code? If you're still buying books BEFORE the semester starts, you have no one to blame but yourself. This should be INCLUDED in tuition if I can't pass without this book.
18. The Wi-Fi playing with your emotions
Tu-openaccess is honestly the worst Wi-Fi system known to man. It also takes 150 tries to get into tu-secure. You aren't the only one having this issue so don't think it's because you don't know your password.
19. Making sure you successfully run out of the way every time the Greeks stroll at the cookouts.
I'm telling you guys, you have to get out in time. Don't ask questions, just MOVE when they do their thing! Another thing; do NOT try to imitate their strolls because it is disrespectful to the organization.
20. Making a face when the dining hall workers start getting a little stingy when you ask for more meat
There is no way I'm paying 1 MEAL and $2 worth of POINTS for 4 droplets of Honey Walnut Shrimp...There's NO WAY. But then if you ask for just a little more meat, it's a "double-meat." GIRL WHAT? Some of the workers are generous though, so it depends on where you go.
21. Classes are NEVER cancelled. Not even if there is a crisis.
Even during the biggest snowstorms and constant slipping on ice, Towson is always open...
22. Wondering if the books in Cook Library are actually used or for decoration.
Just a thought...I don't know anyone who voluntarily pics up a book and reads on the 5th floor. Just saying. I also hate when professors recommend students get the textbooks from the library because they are impossible to find. I'm pretty sure it's actually wallpaper that is designed to look like books.
23. Wanting to fight whoever got rid of Jamba Juice and replaced it with Piadina, pajama, pinata, palooza--or whatever that place is called.
For the real ones who remember Jamba Juice, it was a favorite among students and all of a sudden, Towson decided that it wasn't worthy enough to stay. The uproar on Twitter was wild. NO ONE ASKED FOR THIS.
24. Constantly bailing on your friends/events because they live in the Towers but you live in West Village
It starts from "Hey, I'm gonna be a little late," to "yeah sis, I'm not coming." If you miss the Gold Route, your plans are cancelled.
25. Paying all of this money to live in Carroll/Marshall Hall but the walls are thin and the closets are the size of a door.
Let's be real. About 90% of your money is going towards the bed and having your own room in general. If you want to gossip about someone or spend time with your significant other, trust me...SOMEONE is going to hear it.
26. Towson weather…
Don't even BOTHER looking at the weather app anymore because it shows nothing but empty promises. I wouldn't be surprised if it was snowing, raining and having a mini earthquake all at once. Classes are still open though.
27. Getting ready to leave the classroom after the 15-minute late mark and your professor has the nerve to show up after you just made plans to grab food with your friends.
The lecture is nothing but a PowerPoint too. Yes, the PowerPoint is ALREADY on blackboard.
28. Waiting 40 minutes for P-Tux pasta/quesadillas
You might as well bring a lawn chair on the line.
29. Trying to get tickets for a campus event and you're starting to regret even skipping "Exam 2 Review" class for this.
The OneCard/ticket office on the 1st floor by Paws is the definition of a stampede. Even the ticket box office employees purposely show up late because they don't want to deal with the mess.
30. Not getting the floor seats you want for Tigerfest because you forgot to remove the 0 digit in your student ID.
Every March/April, students buy tickets for Tigerfest, but the trick is that you have to remove the 0 if you want to get your ticket. People get upset every year. It's worse that a FRESHMAN got a better seat than you. Looks like you're going to have to buy tickets from another student who is selling it for $100 more.
31. Constantly correcting non-Towson people how to pronounce “Towson"
My mom and grandma STILL say “Toe-son." They even add an "N," as if they're saying "town." Where do you see the letter mom?
32. Trying to get into a party by saying “It's my birthday!"
But who doesn't do this. However, by saying “yeah, I'm friends with Jake, he's in the back!" Let's face it, EVERYONE knows a Jake.
33. Having a ZTA Breast Cancer Awareness pin on your backpack or jacket.
If you don't have one, do you go here? Thank you ZTA!
34. Paying for printing
You may think $0.10 per page isn't a big deal, but when you have to start writing 15-page papers and hand in a hard copy, you won't be so "unbothered" anymore. (Honorable mention: Color pages are $0.59 extra.)
Here's a TIP: Go to one of the computer labs in one of the classrooms (when there is no class) and print out what you need. In Van Bokkelen Hall, there's a sheet posted everywhere for open lab times. You can come and print there. Even in the CFA building you can too. I think every major has a computer lab. It also doesn't hurt to ask your roommate.
35. Getting random emails from your student email but you forgot that you were signing up for stuff just to get a free shirt.
Oh, I forgot, but thanks for the 50 shirts and free pizzas though!
36. Choosing a professor on Ratemyprofessor.com and you end up not liking the professor.
This is going to happen at least twice in your school year. But honestly, RMP is still a great source.
37. Getting lost in the LA Building…and this doesn't just apply to freshmen.
You ever walked into the wrong class forgetting that you're on the wrong floor but the numbers look the same? Yeah…
38. Not going a day without seeing people you know…or want to avoid. (*Cough cough* SUSQUEHANNA)
Everyone says Towson is big, but each day you spend here will feel like Towson is smaller than a cafeteria. Don't get scared when you walk into "Susq" and see people staring at you. They're just trying to figure out if you're someone they know.
39. Having $2 in your checking account but you're still making plans to go out.
You can get a lot for $2. It's called F I N E S S E. A lot of people go to Uptown broke, so it's okay.
40. Starting an essay at 11 p.m. that's due on Blackboard by 11:59 p.m.
I mean, WHO HASN'T DONE THIS? At this point you type up a trash essay but still hand it in. This can apply for any university.
41. Using up all your points and being forced to spend 2 meals just for one.
As a friendly reminder, dining points DO NOT reset. I had to learn that the hard way as a freshman.
42. Burdick Hall machines always down.
I'm so glad the new gym was re-opened in 2018, and it makes me more motivated. But honestly, I'd give it 5 months before 97% of the treadmills start malfunctioning like the old one...
43. Forgetting your keys…
In sophomore year, I wrote a whole sign on the door that said “Arielle, do you have your damn keys?" Trust me, they'll charge you after a certain number of times. It's more expensive than the OneCard price.
44. Taking the shuttle from Scarborough to Stephens Hall because you didn't feel like walking.
Girl listen, that hill was no joke. But you'll lose a lot of weight by walking up the hill; just some motivation.
45. Getting frustrated when your classes close.
Picking classes at Towson is the Hunger Games. That's not up for debate.
46. You wrote something on the chalkboard at Freedom Square at least once.
If you haven't then you don't go here...period. It could be something random, important, or fun. Most people use the board for upcoming events or to bring attention to social issues.
47. Feeling like you're the only school who has to pay for laundry…
Especially for students who can't go home every weekend #salty. Sometimes, you'll feel so broke to the point where you contemplate washing and drying your clothes in the bathroom sink. You can't even get mad at me because I know this thought has come across your mind once or twice.
48. The Tiger in Town bus drivers pulling off even when they see you running for the stop.
Calling you guys out…
49. You've been to either CVP, Torrent, Rec Room, Lil Dicky's, Green Turtle (and I'll throw in Paparazzi Nightclub, Bamboo, and OXYGEN too).
Out of all the things I listed and you haven't been to one? These will make your college experience 10x more exciting! Seeing the drunks in their natural habitat is also exciting. You don't even care if each party plays the same music.
50. Being healthy is (damn near) impossible
The dining halls and restaurants are home to fast-food, fried food, and overall quick meals. Sure, there are salads and fruit but no one wants to eat moldy grapes and brown lettuce. Please do better Towson, you're killing us here. If you live in an apartment, try buying your own healthy produce from Weis.
51. Scarborough & Prettyman....need to be quarantined!
Coming from someone who lived in BOTH residence halls, I have one question. WHY CAN'T YOU JUST INSTALL A/C UNITS? (Update: I heard that they are finally installing A/C units so the new freshmen will be able to skate through the pain...really?)
52. The constant debate over PG County vs Baltimore
You will hear about this every day at Towson. When "On Deck" plays, you better do it right. Even when "go-go" music plays, you will feel the urge to dance.
53. There's a 90% chance that your DoorDash driver is someone from your class...
There's always a DoorDash driver who you know. If they mess with your food, you know how to find them.
54. Z-Burger vs Five Guys
Both are life changing. But Towson students can't decide. If you haven't had Z-Burger, you're missing out.
55. Kanji has taken your picture
This man is everywhere…Also, don't be afraid to say hi to him. He's super nice.
56. Being a mess during Tigerfest but you still have a great time, no matter who is performing that year!
99.9% of Towson students will tell you about their crazy experience. This is part of the many reasons why I love my school, and why you guys should too! No matter what obstacles and construction zones Towson has, you wouldn't go to any other school.
