My time at Yale is coming to an end and that means my time as an admissions blogger is also concluding. I know, this is a devastating loss for us all—my photos and prose will be dearly missed. To be sincere, I have really enjoyed writing these blogs and knowing that at least a few incoming students have benefitted from seeing these and seeing what one (former) Yale student’s experience was like. More selfishly, I’ve really come to enjoy practicing introspection through writing and getting to share my insights with you all! What are your college years for if not to figure out who you are and what you value, love, and enjoy… in addition to getting a degree?
That’s all to say that I am a graduating senior and this blog is about that. So, seniors get a week between finals and commencement where we have no academic or ceremonial obligations; it’s a week of limitless opportunities. Students primarily travel somewhere close during this week, but my goal was to instead experience something new every day. Since I wrote this blog, you can safely assume I accomplished my goal. This is what my last week at Yale looked like!
Monday
The Yale senior class council organizes events every day of senior week, and on Monday they organized tours of Harkness Tower. I have been meaning to make my way up the tower and see where the music is made. These bells are the soundtrack of every student’s walk between classes. Now I’m able to say I saw the bells myself and even got to play one singular bell, but hey that bell was heard across campus! Definitely make the steep, winding journey up to the bells if you’re on campus.
Tuesday
I have written about my ushering gigs, but through the ushering mailing list I got one last opportunity to work for the ushering team but in a new capacity. I was the front desk attendant of Hendrie Hall, a space on campus for Yale musicians. I had never actually stepped foot in this building before which is hard to believe after being here for all these years. While manning the front desk, I faintly heard live music coming from all directions. Hendrie Hall was full of life with numerous students walking in and out with their instruments. Right after my shift, I embarked on a lil solo trip. I rented out a zipcar for a couple hours and drove to Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, CT (I’ve been wanting to do a spontaneous trip like this since I learned about zipcars). The attached picture is only one example of the park’s many beautiful areas. I painted while listening to the ocean’s waves and watching someone fly a motorized kite. It was one of the most scenic evenings in recent memory, highly recommend.
Wednesday
The main event of this day was meeting up with my senior project advisor in the Yale Physician’s Building. I might’ve lied about the no academic obligations during this week, but I’m an unusual case so don’t think about it too much. I’ve been to this building plenty through volunteering with HAVEN Free Clinic, but I was in a new area of the building so it counts. I also painted personalized thank you / congratulation cards which I have never done before but was inspired when I saw these blank cards at the local stationary store. I also ate Nice Day Chinese for the first time and would rate it a 9/10! I have walked by maybe a hundred times now and only just tried it, but I’m glad I did even if it was last minute.
Thursday
Continuing with my senior project details, I shadowed my advisor who is both a professor on campus and an orthopedic surgeon. I observed three hip replacements, all distinct from one another. It reminded me of when I shadowed this same professor as he did a knee replacement. There were various similarities, but my extended time in the OR allowed me to really learn from each of the nurses, field service reps, and surgeons present. Once I returned to Trumbull, I witnessed the painting of our beloved potty court statue. It’s a tradition for the outgoing seniors to paint this statue and after many years of this tradition being halted, he has been repainted! He’s a minion now.
Friday
The largest student theatre organization on campus produces its last show of the year during commencement weekend, otherwise known as the “Commencement Musical.” The coolest part: almost all aspects of the show are condensed to only be worked on within ten days! One thing I have learned here is to never underestimate Yale undergraduate productions. I was in attendance for their opening night of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. I knew absolutely nothing about this musical going into the show, but left feeling very nostalgic and unexpectedly moved by these college students playing elementary school students.
Just want to say thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read any of my blogs <3 I did it for the love of the game, aka having random strangers on the internet read my ramblings and finding enjoyment and—sometimes—wisdom. Also the cover photo is what I did on Saturday which was attending La Casa’s stoling ceremony. My parents put the stole on me, thank you mami y papi.
