Summer Reading: Part 2

Since my last post, this bookworm hasn't stopped trying to get through a massive booklist before school resumes in less than two months! Here is what I've had my nose in lately. 

HUGE JFK FAN!

I saw Jared Cohen and Eric Schmidt speak at LSE back in May. I knew I needed to check it out! 

Check out my latest article!

Brief Discussion of the Latest Civic Engagement Reports

Inaugural Ball for Democrats Abroad!

I consider Inauguration Day one of my favorite days every four years. It ranks second to Election Day for my favorite days. Call me a true political nerd. 

I had found out about the Inaugural Ball that was occurring for Democrats Abroad upon my return to London following winter break. Zaina and I decided to attend without dates because we also wanted to meet new people outside the MPA program at LSE. 

The evening started off with a happy hour before the three-course meal. We did end up running into a few other MPA students  for the happy hour. From there, the three course dinner served. We wound up at a table with a bunch of Americans all in the United Kingdom either for education, work experience, or just a change of pace of life. Jessica, the girl who sat next to me, is actually going to be starting a part-time course at LSE in human rights. She was currently working for a non-profit. 

Zaina and Me

Post-dinner, the Executive Board of the UK Democrats Abroad had a few speeches about the accomplishments of Obama's first term, the 2012 election, and the hopeful progress that can be made during the second term. The crowd erupted when the goal of taking back the House in 2014 was stated. Enthusiasm was felt all around the world which allowed for a transition to the highlight video of the first term. From there, the Inauguration speech was played on a loop before the dancing began. 

Overall, it was a great way to celebrate Obama's second inauguration. I had watched the inauguration online earlier in the day, but being able to celebrate with it with a roomful of proud Americans and even foreigner was a great experience. It's something that I will never forget!

Oh, and if you forgot. Here's the photo showing Obama and me, future president. 

#WALPOLE2040

2012: Year in Review

Trafalger Square from the Top of a Double Decker Bus

As I sit here writing the 2012: Year in Review post, I get to enjoy the comfort of a warm blanket, some hot chocolate, and watch the snow fall outside. Clearly, I'm enjoying my winter break at home! 

It's hard to believe that this year is almost over. It seems as if I was just starting my last semester at Syracuse just yesterday. Yet, today, I've got one term of grad school already done. Time flies when you are having fun and working hard. I made a lot of memories this year; some were not so great, but the majority of them, I will carry with me forever. (Thank goodness for tons of photos.)

I left my mark at Chucks

So, here we go..a short year in review complete with those photos that I mentioned.

Danielle and Me

Governor Howard Dean

January: 

• Attend the Politics and Media Seminar at the Washington Center in DC for research on my honors thesis 
• Met Governor Howard Dean and others inspirations at the Seminar
• Got to meet two of my now good friends, Lexi and AJ, at the seminar
• Was Reunited with my Summer 2011 Roommate, Danielle
• Returned to Syracuse for my last semester
• Got Accepted into the London School of Economics on the first day of the last semester at Syracuse

February:

• Participated in my last formal Pi Beta Phi recruitment as a collegian member
• Reunion of Lawrinson 12 

Katie, Kari, and me meeting Brandon Triche (SU Basketball Player) 

Celebrating my 22nd Birthday 

Elite 8 Game in Boston

March: 

• Turned 22 Years Old
• Spent Spring Break at Syracuse with some of my best friends as we finished our capstone projects
• Traveled to Boston with my Best Friend, Katie, for the Syracuse Elite 8 Game
• Met the Entire Basketball Team (one final go!)

One Final Mayfest 

Group Photo with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 

Remembrance Scholars 

April:

• Participated in the 2012 Dulye Leadership Experience. This time, I was on the side of the student project manager and an alumna of the program
• Met Senator Chuck Schumer
• Met Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
• Participated on the Remembrance Scholar Selection Committee
• Finished my Honors Capstone Project/Political Science Distinction Thesis
• Had One Final MAYFEST

My Nephew and Me 

Oriana and Me at the Remembrance Scholar Brunch

Honors Convocation with my Parents

May:

• Defended my thesis for the political science distinction program
• Presented my thesis at Honors Capstone Day
• Participated in final senior activities such as Remembrance Scholar Brunch, Senior Sunday, and Senior Celebration
• Graduated from Syracuse University complete with three ceremonies and Aaron Sorkin being my Commencement Speaker
• Got to see my Brother and Nephew for Graduation 

June:

• Started my summer internship with the U.S. Department of Education 
• Finished my internship with the U.S. Department of State
• Was Home for the First Summer in Ages

Reunion

July:

• Took a road trip to Pennsylvania 
• Got Reunited with my friends, Ashlie and Erin
• Granted my student visa for England 

Orange Reunion

August:

• Took a road trip to Connecticut to see my best friend, Katie
• Travled to NYC for the day for random meet-ups, a musical, and a ton of macaroons!
• Attended a Syracuse New Student Send Off with Erin 
• Wrote a freelance article for the International Political Forum
• Landed another remote internship with the U.S. Department of State

LSE Orientation 

Buckingham Palace

September:

• Visited Syracuse for one final goodbye
• Moved to London, England and settled into Notting Hill
• Started my pre-semester course at the London School of Economics
• Met my seven close friends in my program
• Realized how close the MPA program was at the Boat Party, and realized how lucky I was to have such a fun program
• Heard Kofi Annan Speak

MPA Retreat 

MPA Retreat

October:

• Started official grad school courses
• Landed an internship in London
• Attended the MPA Retreat and Halloween Party 
• Voted Absentee Ballot 

White Cliffs of Dover

Prince William

November:

• Realized my love for STATA and regressions
• Traveled to Dover 
• Saw the Royal Family 
• Celebrated the Engagement of Two Close Friends 
• Celebrated Obama's Victory
• Took a road trip in England with Emma and Zaina
• Traveled to Chatsworth House
• Selected to be the Contributing Editor for the Journal of Public and International Affairs 

Jenny and Me at the Holiday Party 

Mumford and Sons 

December: 

• Attended the MPA Holiday Party
• Completed my first term of graduate school
• Will Attend my First SU Basketball game as an alumna
• Saw Mumford and Sons 
• Attended my first Pi Phi Alumnae Event

While I'm in the air...

As a follow-up to my other scheduled post, while I'm flying to London, check out my first article for the International Political Forum! I'd love to hear your thoughts!

The Impact of Social Media on Presidential Campaigns

2 Months.

I can't believe that in two months I will board my plane to head back to my favorite city. It's a surreal feeling. #excitement #nervous #adventureawaits

When I studied abroad that was an adventure, but there was still a lot of guidance because of Syracuse. This time, I'll be starting at a new school and will be more on my own. Planning wise, I think I've made huge progress in the last month. 

What's Been Completed

1. Visa Application- I mailed in my visa application on July 10th.  The current processing time is about two to three weeks according to the website. I haven't received a confirmation e-mail that many have said they receive once processing begins. But, then again, when I applied for my Visa the last time I studied in London, I never received an e-mail as well, and that went through without a hitch.  
2. Doctors Appointments- The necessities of getting contacts, teeth cleaned, etc. have all been done! It was a hectic two weeks- all the appointments seemed to run within the same week.
3. Absentee Ballot- Mailed! Anyone who knows me well knows I'm an avid supporter of civic engagement, and I wouldn't miss an election even if I was across the pond.
4. HSBC Passport Account- I received information from HSBC confirming that my passport account has been set up. I just have to show my passport and proof of a USA address once I arrive in London.  When I was reviewing the different banks to work with for the next two years, the Passport Account seemed like the best for me. It's got the online banking which will be helpful, low rates for ATMs, etc. Check out the website here: http://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/current-accounts/uk-bank-account .  If you're a US student studying abroad in London for more than a semester, to receive your student loans disbursement and to actually use the money, you have to bank it. 
5. Loans-  Speaking of loans, I'm all set! My first disbursement will be on October 1st! US Federal Loans are disbursed three times in an academic year. LSE will take a third of my tuition, and  I will receive the rest of the amount in pounds sterling. 
6. Flight- I bought it early before the price increases dramatically. I'll be flying out of Syracuse then JFK on September 17th.  I chose to fly on Jet Blue and Virgin Atlantic. When I studied abroad before, I flew Virgin Atlantic, and the service was outstanding for an airline! The baggage fees were waived for one of my bags when the woman found out I was studying abroad and returning home. 
7. Housing- I've reserved a studio in Nido Notting Hill. It's about a ten minute walk to Westbourne Tube Station. From Westbourne, I'd get on the Hammersmith and City Line and then change to the Piccadilly Line to Holborn. Or, I could take the bus to Notting Hill Gate and take the Central Line to Holborn. Either way, even though my housing is a little farther away from campus, it's still in zone one. Choosing between the three Nido properties (Spitalfields and King's Cross are the other two locations.), I chose Notting Hill for an escape, the location as well as what I consider a fun neighborhood. It's still in Kensington and Chelsea- I'll actually be about a 15 minute tube ride away from where I lived before! 

What Still Needs to Be Done

1. Finish Payment for First Installment of my Housing
2. Order my unlocked iPhone -  Being a person who can't go an hour without wondering what has happened on Twitter, the situation surrounding a phone abroad has been well researched. I'll be leaving my US phone home, and I will be buying an unlocked iPhone 3 from Apple. I'm currently using a 4s, but international plan through Verizon costs an arm and a leg. Buying an unlocked phone allows me to take it to O2 (the cell phone company that I plan to use in London) and join their 12 month sim plan. I'll receive a sim card and will be able to purchase a plan that is suitable for me. 
3. Review of Basic Pre-Calc and Economic Principles- Not one who likes to go into situations unprepared, I've started reviewing math concepts for my pre-semester course as well as academic year. Likewise, I've begun reviewing basic micro and macro concepts as it has been three years since I took economics for my policy studies major. 
4. ISIC Card- I ordered my card, but I just have to activate it! When I used the card studying abroad before, I received a lot of discounts including free entrances to a lot of museums, etc. on weekends away. 

I've still got a lot to do it feels like. There's plenty of small things that didn't even make it onto the above list. Stay tuned for more updates!

CHEERIO!