GSAS New Student Orientation

It was a very informative and helpful event. They really pulled out the works for this. It was held on the 10th Floor of the Kimmel Center -- beautiful open space with a great view ('cept for the crappy weather). There were about 400 people attending and everyone received a complementary (orange) t-shirt. They pulled in experts from around the university to speak in panels to us. Most of the topics I had already covered during various points while I was here this summer so not a lot of new things. The MC, Israel Rodriguez, challenged us to meet and make friends with 5 people, so they had a coffee break, a lunch break, and a Dean's Welcome reception where we could mingle and talk.

During the coffee break, I spoke with 3 students who are doing economics and 1 student who is also in my math program. In fact, that's how we met; I told her, "You look familiar; where have I seen you before?" Turns out it was in my Wed Analysis class.

During lunch, Jeremy (another DD student) and I talked about a range of things, including House (so excited about the season premier next monday!!) and Madmen (which I've never watched but have heard good things). We were later joined by Jared (another DD student (doesn't it seem like we just gravitate towards each other...? haha)) and we discussed thesis topics and the like. And then we were joined by a random guy who started his introduction by asking "Are you guys part-time students? Because I'm a part-time student myself." I thought it was a cool way to get into a group conversation. Turns out he's doing the MS in Scientific Computing, which is a very interesting area and I would've liked to explore it if I knew any of the computer languages. He told me about a class they have on Thursday from 7pm-9pm called Open Source Tools. If I had the time, I would audit it.

During the reception, I met a group of French Studies students. At first, I was speaking with just one student; he looked as lonely as me so I struck up a conversation. His two friends later joined us, but they started talking about all things French and I felt awkward so I politely excused myself. Many people from earlier didn't come and there were significantly less people attending so I left early. I saw Megan (another DD student) right before I left. For the record, they did serve us wine and cheese...