Juilliard Round 2

Well, after a long wonderful summer, I am finally back in the big city!

Actually, I've already been here two weeks! As a Resident Assistant for the dorm this year, I had to arrive on August 20th for training, and then this past week we have hosted orientation for the new Juilliard students. And now the returning students are returning tomorrow! But let's go back a little...

So I arrived to NY much more easily than I left, since my suitcase was 20 pounds lighter and I used a backpack instead of my side-sling computer bag. Yes, I looked ridiculous carrying my viola on my back and my backpack over my belly, but come on...it's NYC! That day was just full of unpacking and a quick dinner with my new family. Then the next morning we left at 7:30 for our Reslife staff retreat to "grandma's house"! It was a weekend full of fun and emotion as we had the chance to get to know each other better and start bonding as a team. Once we got back, the next week consisted of lots of meetings, learning protocol, rules, role play and designing/creating decorations for each person's floor and the whole dorm; twas a long but fulfilling week. And of course, we took time in between all this stuff to have FUN (scavenger hunt around the city, games in the park, Thai food...)

Then last Sunday, new students came! Move-in day went pretty well since we had so many wonderful people helping. However, it was slightly stressful when TWO of the three elevators broke at a very high traffic time during the day. And this is a dorm where you aren't allowed to use the stairs to get to the main floor...But lets just say that some people didn't mind setting off the fire alarm after waiting 30 min for the elevator. :)

Then the rest of the week, our "Orientation Leaders" did most of the work instead of the Reslife staff and so I was able to enjoy some time to get back to my viola and spent some time with my lovely man when he came for two days to get his cello fixed. I really like that the owner of the cello he is using is in NY- he will have lots of excuses to come!

So, how has life changed? I'm loving my new single room. (I actually have space to practice in it!) I'm training for a half marathon in October, which doesn't change much except for one long run per week. (Completed 11 miles this morning in 84 min. My goal for the half-mar is 100 min). I feel a new connection to all of the people in the residence hall and I genuinely want them to enjoy their lives here!

Next week, school starts and I'll probably fall behind on posts again...but I'll try to keep updating :)

Thanks for your support,

Violamad