Orientation and Direction

Monday was my first day of orientation w/ transfer students. It was such a packed day for me b/c I was on so many tours and walked so much everywhere. Also, I got to see my friend from CA who's living in Williamsburg. I was so happy b/c seeing people you know gives a sense of security. Tuesday was an exciting day b/c I went to a dept. meeting that was packed. The presentation they gave was absolutely amazing b/c there's so many projects that I can do that can incorporate different aspects of design. Also, I really liked how there were sponsorships on certain projects w/ MTV, A&E, etc.

Wednesday was my day of service where I volunteered w/ other students. I was placed in the Dress for Success group where we went to a Brooklyn warehouse sorting clothes that will be distributed to different Dress for Success stores in NY. I was flabbergasted at the amount of boxes they receive. I had to wear gloves when we sorted through the clothes and found mysterious spots on my gloves that I don't want to go into detail w/. Later that day, I went on my first On the Town event and got to see the musical, Billy Elliot. It was so great and I cried so much. It was the perfect musical to watch b/c it touched upon passion, dedication, being the best you, and moving on.

This week has gone by so quickly. I'm so tired, have walked so much, but excited when classes start next week! Now, I have some free time finally to go grocery shopping! Bye!

Walking to the theatre for our transfer orientation.

Blackhound Bakery in the East Village. I had a delicious lemon mousse cake to share w/ Richelle.

Sign on the floor in the subway.

Billy Elliot!

Moving into NY

My family and I took the red eye flight to NY and arrived at 6:50 am. We were so tired, especially me b/c I was nervous if I forgot anything. Instead of sleeping, I ate a flight snack of mini-sandwiches and fruit, and watched "Last Chance Harvey." I had too much excitement to sleep.

When we arrived in my dormitory, I was the first one to check in at 9 am and had to unpack all my stuff. Immediately we went to get the essentials like bedding, cleaning supplies, toiletries etc. because its easier to buy it there. I was really lucky that my family came with me to help me carry everything back to the dorm especially since it was raining. The hassle of getting things made me so overwhelmed that I wasn't sure if I made the right decision to move cross-country. But, those feelings went away when my dad said, "You made the right decision." That sense of approval helped me a lot and made my negative feelings disappear in a second.

After settling in, we all went to the Inter-Continental to check my family in. The Inter-Continental has a special place in my heart b/c that's the last hotel we all stayed in as a family when we went on vacation together. It's been ten years since all of us has been together in a different city! Thank goodness I was able to get this through Priceline!

Immediately after checking-in we went to Chinatown of course. We explored Canal Street and the counterfeit merchandise being sold throughout gave my mom a bad image of Chinatown. We were able to find a place to eat that was packed with tourists and some locals. I had an excellent bowl of won ton mein, except the won ton was horrible due to the pork filling. Yuck!

Instead of staying in my apt., I decided to stay w/ my family. The next day we discovered more of Chinatown and went to a delicious, packed, and inexpensive dim sum place. I also met my roommate and her family who are extremely nice.

Though Sunday was a busy day, I had a better impression of NY and that my decision was the best for me. Thank goodness it stopped raining!

Times Square

Grand Central

Sunshine 27 in Chinatown. This is where I had dim sum w/ my family and my last dinner w/my family before they left. I think this will be our go to spot when they visit me.

Before I left for NY

Before I left for NY on my last week, I spent some time with some friends and got to explore my background, the Bay Area.

Row of ironing boards in Temescal, Oakland

Indie art studio in Temescal, Oakland

Oakland Chinatown

Snuffles family hanging out inside my luggage. I didn't get a chance to bring these 3 but its okay. Since I'm traveling to NY, I couldn't bring too much so I only had two suitcases filled w/ clothes for all four seasons. I had to bring what I only need.

At the airport, Fenhong se Pooh hanging out on my parents' carry-on.