Relay for Life at Fordham!

Last Friday, April 21st was Fordham College at Lincoln Center's 9th annual Relay for Life event! The event was a huge success, and the original fundraising goal of $5,000 was almost doubled, with the collective efforts of the participants reaching a total of $8,105 (and counting)! All proceeds from Relay for Life go directly to the American Cancer Society to provide services to cancer patients and contribute to cancer research.

Relay for Life was held on Friday, 4/21 from 4-10pm in the Indoor Plaza.

Each team hosted an individual fundraiser to raise money during Relay for Life.  This year, teams were especially creative with their fundraisers, selling temporary tattoos, succulents, raffle tickets, cupcakes, hosting "Pie an RA," and more! Because of the amazing and dedicated teams, Relay for Life brought in many new registrants on during the event.

The RHA team sold slime at their fundraising table!

Relay for Life is a bit different at FCLC than at most universities because of its small campus, but that doesn't stop the students' enthusiasm! The participants continuously walked laps in the Indoor Plaza to show their commitment to the cause.

Relay for Life participants were excited to take to first lap!

The FCLC branch of Colleges Against Cancer has worked all year to ensure that Relay for Life is a success, hosting fundraisers and team building events and coordinating with sponsors in and outside of Fordham.  This year, we were able to raffle off amazing prizes like free SoulCycle passes, Fordham swag, Amazon gift cards, and a Kindle Fire thanks to the many amazing sponsors of the event.

Fordham College at Lincoln Center's Relay for Life has become a staple spring event over the past nice years, and it gets better and better with each passing year!

Dodransbicen-what? Fordham Celebrates 175 Years!

2017 marks the 175th year of Fordham University's existence; in other words, Fordham celebrates its Dodransbicentennial! Everyone is in on the celebrations with the university providing students and staff with a year of special events, programs, and exhibits that highlight Fordham's history and influence as the Jesuit University of New York.

Even the Empire State Building showed its colors for Fordham last night in honor of the 175th anniversary!

Here's to another 175 years, Fordham! So that would be a... Semiseptcentennial? Have fun trying to say that in speeches! 

Risk and Reward: Independent Research

Stock Image, Source: Google

I always thought research was reserved for science majors. I watched my roommate over a year ago do research with her professor about flies and enzymes and sort of dismissed the idea that I’d ever be able to do such a thing myself. When the summer research deadline came around last year, I decided I was going to structure something different. I was going to apply the principles of hard sciences to the social.

I started talking to one of my favorite professors and came up with an idea that combined two of my loves: narrative, and personal heritage. My project would talk to individuals who left their countries to come to New York, and ask them why. I was confident. I was excited.

It was to my dismay when I found I wasn’t accepted for a summer research grant. I started talking to more professors. I was committed to my research and refused to let it die. I ended up continuing to pursue my research as an independent study in the fall.

My research ended up being bilingual in English and French. I wrote nearly 25 pages and never thought that was something I’d be able to accomplish in a different language. Research  gave me the confidence to be inquisitive, and made me realize I wanted to pursue a writing based profession. For that, I have Fordham to thank.

Rose Hill & Lincoln Center: Making the Best of Both Worlds

Fordham University is comprised of two undergraduate campuses: one at Rose Hill in the Bronx, and one at Lincoln Center in Manhattan. Taking classes at two very different campuses may seem like a daunting task, but Fordham makes it quite easy by providing students with transportation through its Ram Vans.

Ram Van at the Lincoln Center campus

Students have access to both campuses thanks to the Ram Van service. Ram Vans run between both campuses every half hour. Seats for each Ram Van can be reserved online ahead of time. One can purchase tickets for the Ram Van at both campuses: in the front lobby at Lincoln Center, and in the Ram Van office next to O'Hare Hall at Rose Hill. However, if you are registered for a class at either campus, you will receive two free Ram Van passes for each day that you have class.

As a New Media & Digital Design major, most of my classes are based out of Lincoln Center's campus. Thanks to the Ram Van service, it is possible for me to live on the Rose Hill campus while also fulfilling my course requirements at the Lincoln Center campus.

Ram Van at Rose Hill

Ram Vans are not only for students taking classes. They are also an easy and relatively cheap way to get into Manhattan. A Ram Van ticket will run you $3, which is only a little more than a subway ticket and significantly cheaper than a Metro North ticket! Ram Vans make it possible for students based out of Lincoln Center to catch a football game on the Rose Hill campus, and for students based out of Rose Hill to see a performance at the Lincoln Center campus. Because of the Ram Van, Fordham students really do get the best of both worlds. 

A Night Out: College Night at the Frick Collection

Earlier this month, my best friend and I ventured over to the east side to visit the Frick Collection for College Night. The Frick Collection puts on College Nights, which include free admission with your university ID, approximately once a month, with a variety of different activities and docent-led tours. The collection is small enough to finish in one night, and spans a wide variety of artists and movements.

Frick Collection Gardens, Photo by Gillian Bashaw

Photos are not allowed in the gallery, but fortunately, they are allowed in the Frick Collection's stunning gardens. For College Night, these gardens were outfitted with a string ensemble, tables for socializing, and a table of refreshments. The gardens provide a truly relaxing atmosphere to take a break between exhibits or just spend time in good company with friends.

Once we finished walking through the collections, we made our way to the gift shop. While I'm naturally a fan of trinkets and souvenirs, I was happy to see that there were prints of almost every work in the museum in various sizes ranging from about $2-$15. I was able to buy a couple of my favorite paintings of the evening in a postcard size, and now my bedroom walls are just a little more artistic.

The Frick Collection is located at 1 East 70th Street and is about a 20-30 minute walk from Fordham Lincoln Center. Upcoming College Nights are scheduled for May 6th and June 24th. The Frick Collection is a hidden gem that is not to be missed!

A College Student’s Guide to Groceries (in Manhattan)

It’s a question that should be added to the FAQ of Manhattanites: Where do you go grocery shopping? I mean, there can’t possibly be space for a regular grocery store, right? And prices must be outrageous, right? Wrong! (Well, depending on your definition of “regular” and “outrageous” …)

When it comes to the Lincoln Center area of Manhattan, there are actually quite a few options available, depending on your personal preferences. Here, I’ll attempt to enlighten you all on the nuances of each.

The Big-Name Chains

Whole Foods: This one is one of the closest stores to the Lincoln Center campus. It’s just a short walk to the Time Warner Building, down an escalator, and BAM! You’re smack dab in the middle of the busiest Whole Foods in the city. It’s got your standard Whole Foods fare, organic produce, free range meat, around 25 different varieties of dairy-free milk. My go-to in Whole Foods, though? The hot bar and prepared foods. When I’m just too lazy to make something myself, the hot bar at Whole Foods is my savior. There’s even a sushi bar and a Jamba Juice! But beware, Whole Foods is notoriously pricey and the lines can be absolutely ridiculous.

Trader Joe’s: Until recently, this was my ride-or-die. I mean, seriously, what’s not to love? There’s a great selection, the frozen food section is downright legendary, and the staff are so friendly! It’s even pretty cheap! Well, my friends, Trader Joe’s has two things standing in its way of total perfection: it’s 12 blocks from campus and it’s just too popular. The lines here can be almost as long as Whole Foods, and some products sell out almost immediately. If you’re going to Trader Joe’s go during off-hours (1 pm on Fridays is a great time. Tell your friends, just not too many).

The “Regular” Groceries

Morton Williams: This one might be your first instinct: 1 block from campus, open 24 hours, carries what you might consider to be your average grocery items. But don’t be fooled. While this one may seem convenient, it can easily sap you out of your allowance. You may be fooled into thinking that out of your two ultra convenient options, the other being Whole Foods, you’ll save a pretty penny by heading to Morton Williams. However, if there’s not a sale on what you want, you could end up spending just as much as you would at Whole Foods. My advice? Only come here for sale items.

Western Beef: Strange name, awesome grocery. The selection is here is amazing (and I’m not just saying that because it carries my preferred off-brand, Everyday Essentials). It’s not too far from campus, but the walk back does entail walking uphill, so beware and plan accordingly. In addition to being absolutely massive (on a Manhattan scale), the prices can’t be beat. There are constant sales and even regularly priced items are considerably less than what you would pay at Morton Williams. This one has usurped Trader Joe’s as my ride-or-die. It’s just that good.

The Convenience Stores

Duane Reade: There’s one on every block. And I mean every block. They’ve got a pretty large selection for a convenience store, and just like you might expect, they’ve got convenience store pricing. I don’t recommend buying here unless there’s a sale, in which case, stock up, because their sales tend to be pretty good. And keep an eye out on clearance items. Those items go wicked fast, and they are super cheap (45 cents for a box of pasta!). A surprise win is their egg prices. $2.49 for a dozen, cheapest out of all the options. Keep your Wellness card handy.

CVS: In my experience, their prices tend to be a little higher than Duane Reade, but they give you coupons galore after you purchase something. They have pretty consistent sales on candy, but typically don’t offer much else. If you’re a CVS fan, go for it, but if you can consider a switch, head over to Duane Reade. It’s not that far away.

The Conclusion

Stick to Western Beef and Trader Joe's if you ever find yourself in the Lincoln Center area. Don't be fooled by Morton Williams' proximity or the allure of Whole Foods. Keep your eyes peeled for sales and don't be afraid to try out the off-brand! May your grocery expeditions be successful from now on!

Falling in Love with Fordham Theatre

I took a giant leap when I left for college. Not only did I move across the country (I’m from San Diego), but I also chose to study theatre, which is a risk.

That being said, I fell in love with the Fordham Theatre Program. It is a welcoming community that rejects competition and embraces support. I feel no need to compete with my peers for opportunities; in fact, I constantly have to turn opportunities down so that I have time to sleep.

Photo Credit: Shea Servidio

One of my favorite parts about the theatre program is the Studio Season. Our Studio Season consists of 20 shows per year that are student acted, directed, designed, and occasionally written or devised. And the best part is that you don’t have to be a major or minor to participate. Anyone can audition, design, or assist on a studio show. It’s a great way to meet new people, stay involved with theatre, or experience something new.

Once In a Blue Moon

Written By: Elia Chuaqui

Pictured: Dan Duren and Tal Shoshua

Costume Design: Bonnie McHeffey

Set Design: Vincent Gunn

Lighting Design: Elizabeth McManamon

Even if you don’t want to get involved, they are free to see and generally run about an hour. I like to view seeing a studio show as a nice study break where you are also seeing wonderful pieces of theatre.

Our studio seasons are also very diverse because the students propose which shows they want to direct. This season ranges from a Brechtian inspired piece about 4 classic American novels, to a workshop musical that is being written around the people in the room, to Carol Churhill’s Top Girls, and many, many others.

Mr. Marmalade

Pictured: Glenn Morizio, Calla Smith, Elli Stoval-Brown

Costume Design: Danica Martino

Set Design: Hillary Manning

Lighting Design: Katie Ryan

Photo Credit: Celina S. Lam