NYC Views: Top of the Freedom Tower

Twin Tower Memorial Pools

As you all know, 14 years and a month ago the Twin Towers were suddenly struck as a part of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America.  The tragic event affected many people throughout the country and world.  As an honor to all those who lost their lives, the 9/11 museum was set up on the grounds of the original Twin Towers, and One World Trade Center (more commonly known as the Freedom Tower) was constructed as a symbol for looking to the future and not letting an attack keep our morale low; we rise with the challenges put upon us. 

Being in New York City, Fordham loves when students venture into other parts of the city to learn about our history and culture.  This past weekend I was able to do just that.  With a club I am apart of, ACT, we all went to the observatory level of the Freedom Tower. One of ACT’s missions is to organize programs and trips that add to student life on and around campus during their tenure at Fordham. 

Sunset looking west onto New Jersey

We had an appointment to take the elevators up to the 102 floor at 6:15pm – in other words, the critical sunset opportunity.  The view from the top was breathtaking, especially when the sky turned the picture perfect orange-red we all love.  One aspect of the Freedom Tower that I found interesting was they didn’t mention the 9/11 attacks.  The idea behind One World Trade Center was a way for New Yorkers, Americans, and visitors to look to the future and rise from the low points in our history.  Even the architecture embodies this mantra.  The façade is made up of large interconnecting triangles that stretch from the base to the top.  When looking at the top from the street level, the triangles give the perception that the Freedom Tower continues to an infinite height. 

Looking north onto the rest of Manhattan

On our way down from the Freedom Tower experience, we were all in awe of the view and history.  Memorials did not line the top level, but we saw the same view that many of those who lost their lives gazed upon everyday. Excursions like this are one of the many reasons I love Fordham’s philosophy for student life; they want us to experience the entire city, which includes the history, arts, and culture.

Don't Forget Your Dancing Shoes!

Back when I was a freshman, I was very excited to start my college experience by getting involved on campus in any way possible, so at the annual Club Fair around Eddie’s, I signed up for at least twenty different clubs that all sounded interesting.  One of these clubs was Fordham Ballroom Club.  Like many girls, I had taken ballet classes for a while when I was little, but I never thought of trying to dance with a partner.  Because I signed up for Ballroom at the club fair, I received all of the emails describing the fun activities the club put on, but I was always too nervous to show up by myself and try something out of my comfort zone.  Now as I junior, I realize how much I regret not participating in Ballroom Club my first year here.  One of my roommates this year, Dorina, is actually the President of Fordham Ballroom Dance.  Before coming to Fordham, she had even less dance experience than me, and she learned at club meetings through the teaching of previous president Fred Engelhardt.  She persuaded me to come to Ballroom one week after teaching me some basic moves in the dining room of our apartment.  As a beginner, I was nervous that I would embarrass myself, but there were other people with little experience that were learning for the first time along with me, and the veteran dancers were very nice and helpful.  I was able to convince two of my friends to come with me, and we all ended up having a great time.

Learning some new moves

For Fordham Ballroom Dance, each week we meet in the McGinley Center Ballroom for an hour and learn moves to different standard ballroom styles.  We separate into sides, with boys on one side and girls on the other. Dorina teaches a couple of moves to the group, and then we pair up and practice what we just learned.  Each week we review and then build upon the previous week. So far we have learned aspects of the Waltz, Salsa, and Swing.  We switch partners each time we practice a new move, so another plus of this club is that I am always meeting new people.

Along with the weekly classes, the Ballroom Club coordinates a couple of trips a semester to a Club 412, a dance club in Manhattan where they have separate rooms that each are dedicated to a different style of ballroom.  I am really excited for our first trip so I can actually use what I have been practicing each week.  

Time to practice

Members having fun at Club 412

Check out some of these amazing performances from members of Fordham Ballroom Club!

(My talented roommate Dorina is the female lead featured in the first two videos)