When Journalism and Theatre Collide

I am a very proud communications major (with a concentration in journalism) here at Fordham. I look forward to getting a job in the journalism field. In addition to my passion for news, I also have a passion for Broadway or anything theatre related at all. That’s why I was so quick to register for Fordham’s “Theatre Journalism” class this spring.

Theatre Journalism is by far my favorite class I have taken at Fordham so far. The class is at Lincoln Center and being a rose hill student, I do have to commute to class via ram van, but it is well worth it! The professor is Frank DiLella. He is the feature Theatre reporter for NY 1 in addition to hosting  the weekly television show On Stage Across America.  He is so knowledgeable because he is active in the communications field right now. He has structured the class in a very experiential way that helps us develop skills that we will be able to use in the future. Some of our assignments included writing TV news scripts and articles, creating publicity plans for Broadway shows, and writing Broadway reviews.   We have also had a ton of guest speakers including, Glenn Burger, co writer of Spiderman: Turn off the Dark and author of Song of Spiderman, and Paul Wontorek of Broadway.com.  But, I must admit my favorite class was when our professor took us to the NY1 studio and gave us a tour. We also had the privilege of talking to many people who also work at NY1 including, Roma Torre the midday anchor for the station

This is the Playbill for a show I saw for my theatre journalism class

What I love most about this class is that it has practical value. Instead of studying about the industry through textbooks, we are actually doing what we would be doing if we were Journalist. This hands on approach enables us to receive extremely valuable experience in an environment that fosters learning. I look forward to taking other communications courses in the future!

Volunteering on Broadway

My uniform! Check out the BC/EFA at broadwaycares.org

I've loved live theatre and the Broadway community for as long as I can remember. In fact, the accessibility to Broadway shows was one of the main reasons I wanted to come to Fordham. I also love volunteering, so when I heard about an opportunity to volunteer with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (also known as BC/EFA), I was very excited to get involved.

The BC/EFA raises money to combat HIV/AIDS, and last semester, I signed up to be a volunteer for the Bucket Brigade. As a member of the Bucket Brigade, I stand with a red bucket at the end of participating Broadway shows and collect money for the BC/EFA during their fundraising seasons. I also sell autographed Playbills and fun souvenirs to benefit the cause. At the end of the collecting seasons, the BC/EFA celebrates with the Gypsy of the Year and Easter Bonnet Competitions where casts from Broadway shows perform both hilarious and moving original pieces.

It’s been an incredible experience to help with such a wonderful cause. Because I have a weekly night class at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus, it’s very easy for me to walk over to the theatres and help out. There are so many ways to get involved around New York City, and this is one of my favorites. And the next time you go to a Broadway show, don’t forget to drop a dollar or two into the red bucket!

Cabarets...on Cabarets. Entertainment for a Good Cause at Fordham!

     Earlier this month, I had the great privilege of being a part of a variety show cabaret on campus featuring the many talented performing arts groups at Fordham. While it was an absolutely joy to see the groups come together, the purpose behind all of them uniting is truly a remarkable one. The cabaret was a concert benefitting the Make-a-Wish Foundation put together by Michelle Corr, (FCRH '17 and Mimes and Mummers Sophomore Representative) which seeks to raise money for children with cancer and to make their wishes come true, whether it be a trip to Disneyland, or even making them become a superhero for the day. Groups ranging from a cappella clubs, theatre troupes, improv and sketch comedy clubs, and spoken word performances all filled the auditorium with a camaraderie enjoyed by the audience, while knowing that they were performing for a great cause. I got to perform an acoustic Beyonce mashup with my friends Sarah Bernstein (FCRH '17) and Mara Santili (FCRH '16) and the low-key atmosphere of the show made it seem as if there was no pressure in making mistakes and that having fun was the most important part in the end. It was truly a special night getting to see all of the performing arts clubs come together for this great cause, something that does not happen every day on campus, and to be a part of it for a small moment in the show was a heartwarming experience. 

      It was also pretty funny that the next day was the day I had tickets to see Cabaret the Broadway musical with Sienna Miller and Alan Cumming. I had always wanted to see this show for the longest time and it was a joy to see Alan Cumming's captivating and charming performance in person as well as Sienna Miller in a role that I would have never pictured her in before. The theatre was intimate and decorated with intricate lights which helped enhance the risqué and sultry nature of the show. Being a student at a university in New York City has so many perks like being able to see Broadway shows with big names for a reasonable price and is something I always enjoy doing in my free time.
     And lastly, the third of the "Cabarets" that I have attended this past month was a Cabaret show at a supper club known as 54 Below. This venue is located in midtown and is known for its Broadway celebrity guests like Patti Lupone and even hosts casts of Broadway shows to sing specialized shows like the music of Celine Dion and Sam Smith. The concert that I was able to attend was "The Cast of If/Then sings the songs from Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey." The composer and lyrics duo composed If/Then and it was a special sight seeing the performers sing selections that they did not regularly sing on stage at If/Then. I had finished all my midterms and it was so relaxing being able to sit, eat dinner, and enjoy these talented Broadwayperformers sing songs from show that are still in the works even before they head to the Great White Way.

A Playbill

The Roundabout Theatre where Cabaret is playing on 54th street. Behind, you can see the sign for 54 Below.

Whether it's on campus or off, there are so many opportunities to enjoy a variety of musical entertainment as a Fordham student that will definitely appeal to anyone out for a good time!

Giving Back through Theatre: Theatrical Outreach Program

The poster for our show!

This past weekend I was lucky enough to perform in Theatrical Outreach Program’s production of The Laramie Project. Theatrical Outreach Program, also known as “TOP,” is a theatre organization on the Rose Hill campus that performs shortened versions of classic plays in order to make them more accessible to schoolchildren in our community. They perform the shows on the Fordham campus and then take them to various places in the community. Through TOP, many children are able to be exposed to theatre who otherwise would not.

In this scene, cast members portray newscasters reporting on the crime.

Usually, the club performs Shakespeare or other classic pieces of theatre, such as Thornton Wilder’s Our Town  or Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of 

Being Earnest. This show, The Laramie Project, was something new for the club, as it is more modern. It was written in 2000 by Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theatre Project. They traveled to Laramie, Wyoming after the 1998 murder of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard. In the show, each cast member plays multiple characters and the text draws on interviews with the people of the town, court proceedings, and the company member’s journal entries. This powerful, poignant show focuses on the town’s reaction to this hate crime.

In this scene, Reggie Fluty (played by Molly Carney) and Marge Murry (played by Jackie Gawne) discuss the effects of Matthew Shepard's murder on their own lives.

Having never worked with this club before, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was an incredible. I met new people, made new friends, and got the chance to really hone my skills as an actor. The show also made me want to direct a show next year which is another opportunity that TOP provides, as all the shows have both a student director and assistant student director. The experience isn’t over yet either! Tomorrow, the cast is traveling an LGBT elderly center in Manhattan to do our outreach and share our work with them. I think this is an incredibly unique way to give back, and I’m grateful to have had the chance to be a part of it at Fordham!

Club Spotlight: Fordham Experimental Theatre Umbrella Groups

Fordham Experimental Theatre, or FET, is one of our three theater groups on the Rose Hill campus. This group puts on two student directed plays or musicals a semester, as well as a Playwrights’ Festival which includes 3-4 short student written one act shows. As if that weren’t enough, FET also consists of four umbrella groups: Fordham Standup, Free Pizza Sketch Comedy, Stranded In Pittsburgh (Improv Comedy), and Verbal Essences (Spoken Word). Each group performs a few times each semester, meaning there’s never a dull weekend in the Blackbox Theatre, which FET calls home.

Stranded in Pittsburgh, Fordham's Improv Comedy Troupe
In the background is the back wall of the Blackbox, featuring signatures of members after they have graduated.

Cartoons of each comedian in Fordham Standup, drawn by member James Murtagh

Each group meets weekly to prepare their shows and critique one another’s work. They also are not limited to just performing at Fordham, but they often take advantage of our location and perform around New York City. Stranded in Pittsburgh has competed at the College Improv Tournament in Manhattan (and were awarded 2nd place in 2013!). They also recently held a joint show in the Blackbox with Quipfire!, Princeton’s Improv Team. Fordham Standup members frequently perform at Gotham Comedy club, as well as at various open Mic Nights around the city. 

Verbal Essences member Adam Seighman performing a spoken word poem!

Each group holds auditions every semester to take on new members, and even if you don’t hear the stage calling your name, the shows are a great way to spend a Friday or Saturday night! My friends and I go to a show almost every weekend, and I have yet to miss a Standup show. Fordham is full of so many talented, funny people, and FET is a great way for students to showcase their talents!

Student Theatre Groups at Rose Hill

I'm more comfortable on stage than I am in most social situations. But going into senior year of high school, I knew I didn't want to be in an undergraduate acting program. Instead, I chose to attend Fordham College at Rose Hill, even though I knew the school's official theatre program (with its highly selective, audition-based admissions process) was housed at Lincoln Center. At the same time, I knew I absolutely wanted to continue performing in shows. As I prepared to attend Fordham in the fall of 2012, I prayed that I wouldn't be let down by the quality of Rose Hill's theatre community.

Thankfully, our campus is brimming with great theatrical opportunities, especially for a campus of its size. Maybe it's because we're so close to New York City, but for a campus that doesn't host Fordham's performing arts departments, Rose Hill has an abundance of talented and creative students who—despite majoring in unrelated fields—pursue their artistic passions through the student groups on campus, or at professional venues in Manhattan. We even have students from Lincoln Center who come over regularly to audition for our shows.

For those of you who want to continue acting, but don't want to major in it, rest assured that you can do just that here at Fordham Rose Hill. To help you out, here's the run-down on Rose Hill's three student theatre groups!

The Mimes and Mummers
Website: http://www.themimesandmummers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMimesAndMummers

The Mimes are Fordham's mainstage student theatre group based in Collins Auditorium in Collins Hall. They put on two shows each semester, usually one play and one musical each semester. The students on the Mimes' executive board hire professionals from the NYC area to direct each production. Students manage all technical aspects of the production (lights, costumes, props, set), and cast members are required to complete a certain amount of "tech hours" as well.

So far I've been in four shows with the Mimes: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The 39 Steps, Legally Blonde, and currently RENT. It's been one of my favorite parts of my Fordham career to work with such talented people and act under the direction of professional freelance directors. My director for The 39 Steps is also a teacher at NYU, and we're still friends on Facebook!

If you're visiting Fordham anytime soon, try and catch our production of RENT which opens on February 26 and closes March 1.

Fordham Experimental Theatre (FET)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FordhamExperimentalTheatre

FET is an exclusively student-run theatre group that performs in the well-loved Blackbox located on the first floor of Collins Hall. Like the Mimes, they put on four show a year, two each semester. Many are student-written, and all are student-directed. FET is known for unique show concepts and sometimes wild directing choices. Since I've been at Fordham, several student-written shows that debuted in the Blackbox have been accepted into various theatre festivals in New York. Two of them—Cowboys Don't Sing and My Personal Hell—have even played at the New York International Fringe Festival.

My Personal Hell by Jonathan O'Neill at the NY Int'l Fringe Festival, August 2014.

Me and Mike Dahlgren in The Pillowman, April 2012.

FET also has a number of umbrella groups who regularly perform in the Blackbox, including Stranded in Pittsburgh (improv), Free Pizza Sketch Comedy, Fordham Standup (who occasionally perform at Gotham Comedy Club in Manhattan), and Verbal Essences (spoken word poetry). On top of that, they put on a Playwrights Festival every semester, which features student-written one-act plays. Needless to say, FET offers students a ton of opportunities to perform, and it's a great way to get started in the Rose Hill theatre scene.

Currently FET is working on Midsummer Night's Dream directed by Jonathan O'Neill and Chris Pedro. The show opens during the third weekend of February.

Theatrical Outreach Program (TOP)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/topfordham

TOP is dedicated to abridging important plays, often from the classical tradition, and staging them in a more accessible way for today's audiences. Last semester they put on Our Town and Twelfth Night, or What You Will. After their performances at Fordham, for instance, they bring their productions to under-supported high schools in the Bronx area. They put on two shows each semester, and like FET, all productions are put together solely by students. Currently TOP is working on The Laramie Project, directed by FCRH junior David Schillinger.

Production still from Twelfth Night, fall 2014.

There are so many ways to get involved with student theatre at Fordham. You don't need to be a major to be involved in rewarding, high quality productions. For that, I'm extremely grateful. If you have any questions about the arts scene at Fordham Rose Hill, feel free to email me at vagovida@fordham.edu. Hope to see you at auditions this fall!

Spamalot and Theatre: Where Fordham Students Come to Have Fun-A-Lot!

This past weekend, I was so fortunate to have been able to play around in the Mimes and Mummers’ production of Spamalot as one of the ensemble members. Being Fordham’s oldest theatre club on campus, The Mimes play a special role in allowing Fordham students to come together and let their theatrical passions thrive in their ability to put together a show in all aspects, be it on stage or off. Spamalot is the second show that I have ever been involved in with the Mimes, and I always look forward to coming back and learning new things to improve myself as an actor and and in other forms of putting together a show such as set designs, costumes, etc... So, whether you’re an actor looking into set or light design or someone who has done set and wants to branch out as an actor, Fordham has the right club just for you!

Our appropriately titled "Mimesbill" program for Spamalot!

Spamalot is such a one of a kind show in the way that it incorporates sharp wit and notorious British humor all combined with catchy showtunes in order to tell the story of King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail. I clearly remember spending so much rehearsal time just laughing out loud at the hilarious brilliance of the cast as we worked together to tell this story. One of the special things about the Mimes and Mummers is seeing how each and everyone of its’ members comes together to put on a show as, in my opinion, prestigious as a Broadway production. In a span of just four weeks, it was extremely rewarding to finally see our hard work come to fruition. From the way that our director envisioned our set to look like and the finished product to the way that the cast worked with our musical director to learn the music all tied together in the end to produce a successful and incredibly hilarious show.

Just like with any big theatrical production, the days leading up to this weekend have been really long and stressful. But as a student, I sometimes found it a bit of a stress relief to escape from my usual classes and retreat back to my creative side and spend my evenings in an auditorium with some of the most talented individuals I could find on campus. Another important note about the Mimes is that everyone involved is a non-theatre major, which goes to show just how committed each and everyone of us is to this craft, and how our sheer passion for theatre drives us to have fun on the stage every time. Having this club available on Fordham’s campus definitely defined so many of my memorable college moments. Although my involvement with the Mimes and Mummers only spans to two semesters so far, I am extremely excited to lend a helping hand to future productions and to stay involved with as many Mimes shows as I can. With another show weekend under my belt, I am reminded of one of the reasons why I decided to come to Fordham, and it is being able to work with and be surrounded by some of the most passionate students in such a well-rounded and supportive community. Whether you're into hilarious comedies like Spamalot, or dramatic plays, you can always count on the Mimes and Mummers to put on a show that you will definitely enjoy!

Behind the scenes dressing room fun! Yes, we're always that happy on stage and off! :)

Weekend Update

Beautiful decor in Ed's Chowder House

Caroline McCue

This weekend I made time to meet my grandparents in the city and meet them for lunch in Lincoln Center!  One of the best parts of Fordham is its proximity to Manhattan!  I hadn't seen my grandparents since Easter, so it was awesome to reunite with them!  We went to a great restaurant about 5 minutes away from the Lincoln Center campus called Ed's Chowder House.  It is on top of the Empire Hotel and is absolutely gorgeous!  Here, I had their signature clam chowder and a side Caesar salad.  Seafood always reminds me of my home of Massachusetts, so it was awesome to be able to catch up with them and have a taste of home at the same time.

A lovely night spent in Bryant Park

Allison Misciagno-Bergin

This weekend, it was my friend's birthday and we all went into the city for sushi. It was a nice break from the hectic pace of classes and internships before midterms began. We ended up getting some Ben and Jerry's and sitting in Bryant Park talking for a few hours. It was truly a beautiful sight with amazing friends. It's crazy to that that this park is only 20 minutes away by train from the comfort of my dorm room.

Looking forward to our production of Spamalot

Cerisse Gabion

This weekend was a theatrical one for me. I was recently cast in the ensemble for The Mimes and Mummer's production of Spamalot and we just had our first rehearsal and read-through on Saturday. It was an absolutely hilarious and fun-filled time and I am looking forward to working with my talented cast-mates to put on a great show in November! After that, I attended a Verbal Essences show, one of Fordham Experimental Theatre's umbrella clubs that focuses on Spoken Word performances. To have been in such an intimate environment like the Blackbox Theatre in Collins Hall and being able to listen to some of my peers pour out their emotions in beautiful poetry was a great way to end my Saturday.

Shannon Donovan

Great food, great location

This weekend I went home to spend Columbus Day with my family.  We went out to breakfast at the Irish Coffee Shop on McLean Avenue in Yonkers.  It was great to catch up with them and enjoy a delicious meal.  Just 10 minutes away from Fordham, this is one of the endless food options to explore here!

Caroline Dunn

Enjoyed a great meal and even better company at Dig Inn

I took advantage of Monday’s holiday and went home to Philadelphia for the weekend. I returned to NYC Monday afternoon just in time to meet up with my sister for lunch. She lives on the Upper East Side but works in finance about five blocks away from Grand Central. We tried a new restaurant called, Dig Inn Seasonal Market. Dig Inn is designed in a similar layout to Chipotle in which customers choose the individual components of their meal. The restaurant offers farmer-to-table options that are locally grown and serviced in house. Customers have the option of choosing which proteins they would like served on either a green, like arugula, or a grain, like brown rice. Meals also include a choice or two or three hot or cold sides. Dig Inn’s sides change seasonally, featuring spaghetti squash and pumpkin quinoa for the fall. With most meals costing just $10, Dig Inn is a quick, affordable and healthy spot to grab lunch while in the Grand Central area or near their eight other Manhattan locations.

All the world's a stage! Recent and Upcoming Productions at Fordham and in NYC!

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to be in the Mimes and Mummers first production of the semester, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard. This show is an interesting take on Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Stoppard gives the audience a sort of “Behind the Scenes” look at the events of Hamlet through the eyes of two minor characters, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. I played the role of Ophelia in this production. The show was a huge success; we were even sold out on Thursday and Sunday!  

The poster for this production was made by the Mimes & Mummers' Vice President, James Demetriades, FCRH '14! 

The following Monday, I went to our monthly Campus Activities Board (CAB) raffle for events around New York City. At the raffle, you’re given one ticket with a number on it. It’s free to enter the raffle, and then if your number is called, you’re given the option to buy tickets to any of the available events for only $20! This month, the events were Phantom of the Opera, Sleep No More, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and Aziz Ansari’s Madison Square Garden show. I lucked out this month, and my number was called! I chose tickets to Sleep No More, an interactive reimagining of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. My roommate and I are so excited to go later this month! 

Tickets for this show normally run upwards of $85; getting them for a fraction of that price is just one of the many perks of being a Fordham student!

To complete my week of theatre events at Fordham, on Wednesday I auditioned for Fordham Experimental Theatre’s Playwrights’ Festival. Every semester, students are invited to submit shows that they have written that are between 5 and 30 minutes long. The executive board of the club picks between 3 and 5 of them to be performed. I was fortunate enough to be cast in one of the shows, The Sweepstakes Redemption written and directed by Nick McNallen, FCRH ’16. The Playwrights’ Festival is one of my favorite events at Fordham, and I’m so excited to be a part of it this semester!

The poster for the Spring 2014 Playwrights' Festival; I was in Confessions by AJ Golio! 

A Mini-Guide to Broadway Shows for a Fordham Student!

One of the things that I cherish most about being a student in New York City is being able to take advantage of all the theatre that happens on Broadway. With Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus being so accessible to midtown and the theatre district, whether you’re a Rose Hill student like me who only needs to take a Ram Van, or living at Lincoln Center itself, it’s almost as if Broadway is in your backyard. Seeing a Broadway musical is a must on a Fordham student’s bucket list because Broadway is so iconic to the New York City image, and it plays an important role in promoting culture by the variety of stories that are being told on stage. I was fortunate enough to have been able to stay in the city over the summer because of work, and in my spare time, I discovered the different ways one can make the most out of the theatre-going experience, from acquiring the best deals on tickets to even meeting the stars after the show! Tourists from all over the world flock to NYC to experience the dazzling spectacle that is live theatre and fortunately for students in the city, it can be a form of entertainment that can fit in anyone’s budget!

1. CAB Raffles and Dorm programs: Fordham’s Campus Activities Board does an excellent job of providing fantastic events for students to win tickets to Broadway shows. Every month, they host a raffle and if you’re lucky enough, you can snag a ticket for a high-demand show for as low as $25! I got to see one of the first previews of If/Then the musical starring Idina Menzel through the CAB raffle. Getting to know your dorm programs can also get you some nice deals for Broadway show tickets, and it’s always fun to go with hallmates to experience a show.
   

   
   

   

   The ticket that I won from the CAB raffle for If/Then!

2. Lottery: If you’re feeling lucky, many Broadway shows offer a lottery style where you go to the theatre two hours before a show to enter a drawing. The price of lottery tickets never go above $40 and many of them are often located in great places to see the stage. I was able to win some cool box seats for Kinky Boots for only $37!

   

   Lottery tickets for Kinky Boots. I felt so close to the stage!

3. Rush Tickets: Despite having to wait several hours in line and in a myriad of weather situations, rush tickets can oftentimes get you some great box seats or really close orchestra seats for as cheap as $27, like I did for Les Miserables.
   

   
   
4. Standing Room Only Tickets: For some of Broadway’s demanding shows, like Hedwig and the Angry Inch and the Book of Mormon, you can opt to stand in a special aisle throughout the show for a low price. I saw Chicago the musical this way, and the $27 I spent standing was definitely worth it.
   

   
   
5. Tix4Students: For $5 annual membership, this website provides access specifically for students to get tickets. Ticket prices vary from $25-$45 and gives you the opportunity to book tickets in advance like any normal ticketing service.

If you really enjoyed a Broadway show and don’t want your evening to end just after that curtain call, I highly recommend asking the nearest usher to point you in the direction of the stage door. Here, you’ll be able to interact with the stars themselves as they come out to sign autographs and even take pictures!

Incredibly grateful for the stagedoor for opportunities like these ones. Meeting these Broadway divas, Idina Menzel, Audra McDonald, and Sutton Foster was an honor!

My autographed playbill and pics with the cast of Bullets over Broadway.

Every theatre-going experience should be a special one, and Fordham’s prime location makes it possible for any student, whether you’re new to Broadway or a theatre connoisseur, to have a good time with great company at a Broadway show.

New York Is My Campus, Fordham Is My School

The Cloisters Museum and Gardens
is located in Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan 

New York is my campus, Fordham is my school. As you complete the core curriculum, you will find this saying to be true. You are likely to have an assignment that requires you to visit a museum or zoo exhibit, attend a musical or theatrical performance, or travel across the street to the New York Botanical Garden. Not only do these experiences enhance the lecture material by applying hands-on learning outside of the classroom, but they propel you to take advantage of the wide variety of opportunities available right in our own backyard!

Medieval architecture at the Cloisters

My freshman year, I ventured to The Juilliard School at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts for my Music History class, a fulfillment of my Fine Arts core requirement. I watched and listened to the Julliard Chamber Orchestra perform the music of renowned composers, such as Stravinsky and Mozart. I also visited the Cloisters, the branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art devoted to the art and architecture of medieval Europe - a trip prompted by my Medieval History class, a fulfillment of my Understanding Historical Change core requirement. Other students, from the Gabelli School of Business and Fordham College at Rose Hill, frequently visit The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in midtown Manhattan for core classes such as Art History or Texts and Contexts. During the fall semester of my sophomore year, Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History became a destination for my Astronomy class, a fulfillment of my Physical Science core requirement. During the spring semester of that year, I walked five minutes down the street from campus to the Bronx Zoo (free admission on Wednesdays!) to construct an ethogram of the Coquerel’s Sifaka in the Madagascar exhibit. This was part of a lesson on the study of animal behavior for the lab portion of my Foundations of Biology class, a fulfillment of my Life Science core requirement.

The Coquerel's Sifaka at the Bronx Zoo

Though some of these assignments slightly challenged my comfort zone as an inexperienced city navigator, they encouraged me to make connections with my classmates and ultimately led me to gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for the course material. Each was an interesting learning and cultural experience and another way in which New York is my campus and Fordham is my school.