Category Archives: College of Arts and Sciences

Dorm Rooms at Nyack

  By Erin Fox | May 10, 2013 - 9:00 am | , , ,
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Coming into Nyack as a freshman, one of my biggest questions was what my dorm room would look like. I searched the internet for picture of dorms, but couldn’t wait to move in and just find out what the place I would be living in would look like. Since being here the dorms still fascinate me and I love seeing how different peoples look and how they choose to decorate them. So if there is anyone out there anxiously trying to find out what their new home will look like here are several pictures of some of the rooms I have lived in as well as rooms on my floor in Christie and Simpson Hall. They are all unique and creatively decorated and I hope this gets you excited to move into your new home if you are a new student.

Here are some panoramic shots then some general ones that reflect dorm life.

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Staying Productive During Summer Vacation

  By Pierce VanDunk | May 7, 2013 - 11:00 am | , , ,
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Nyack College summer breakWarm weather, clean sheets, and home cooked food…Summer vacation is finally here! Now that finals are over, it’s finally time to rest. For most of us, all we want to do is eat, lay down, and watch T.V. It’s fine to do that for a little while, but it can be easy to let relaxing and eating become the extent of your summer activities. Here are a few tips to help you get off of the couch and stay productive during summer vacation:

1. Work! When you want to go to the movies, bowl, eat at a restaurant, or do anything else that isn’t free, having a steady job makes these activities hurt your wallet less. Many employers will take on college students for a few months while they are home from school. Outdoor jobs that are only available during the spring and summer will often look for college students as employees. I have life-guarded for almost five years, and I have always had a job waiting for me when I come home from Nyack College. Even year-round jobs will sometimes hire seasonal workers. Stay persistent and consistent during your job search. My dad always tells me that once you apply somewhere, you should call the place regularly until they give you a definite answer. This may seem like you are being a nuisance, but it is showing the employer that you are persistent and consistent. It never hurts to ask if an employer will take you on for May through August. Even if you get a few “no’s,” keep searching and applying until you find a good job.

2. Volunteer! Find time to give back to your community while you are on break. Soup kitchens, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and other organizations are usually looking for more volunteers to lend a hand, even if it is only for a few months. Getting active in your community helps to improve the place where you live, and it will be a rewarding experience for you. Plus it looks great on a resume for all those future job hunts!

3. Educate yourself! I know that the burdens of education are the very things that you are trying to escape during summer break, but it is good to keep your mind active even when you are away from school. When there are no tests to study for, no papers to write, and no professors to please, you are at liberty to choose the subject that you want to learn about. Your local library has hundreds of subjects to choose from; you can learn about something without having to worry about getting a bad grade in a class. This summer I plan on reading up on theological topics that I have not learned about in the classroom, but I would also like to take in a few good fictions for fun. You do not have to stick to educational topics; even leisurely reading fiction will give your brain some much-needed exercise.

4. Enjoy friends and family! When it comes time to have fun, have it with your loved ones that you don’t get to see during the school year. Your parents, siblings, and friends from home are available to spend time with and enjoy. There are countless activities that you can do with your family and friends, so take advantage of them. Don’t seclude yourself this summer; be sociable! Getting to relax and have fun with the people you love is the best, most fulfilling part of summer vacation.

The Wall at Nyack College

  By Jennifer Cook | April 29, 2013 - 8:00 am | , ,
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“I love The Wall because there’s a great view of the entire campus from there. When the sun hits the stone, it gets nice and warm making, it a great place to relax. It’s also a great place to hangout with friends because it’s in a very central area.” -Inez Montgomery

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“I love it there because the view is really pretty. When you’re chilling on The Wall, you can see the river, and people on the field, and watch the sports games. It’s one thing the athletic department has that other schools don’t. Also, it’s a little dangerous up there.” -Rebekah Williams

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“The Wall is a great spot because it’s close enough to the cafe that you can grab a sandwich and sit there and just enjoy the view.” -Tori Hummel

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“It honestly makes me feel nostalgic. And it’s really high up, which is fun.” -Kathryn Stoehr

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“I love watching sports games from there. It’s a perfect view of the field.” -Brian Lawrence

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“The Wall is a wonderful place to interact with my friends.  It provides a neat, natural environment where I can enjoy watching nature and other students. Also, its central location is ideal for meeting up with people.” -Rachel Kunker

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Coffee and College

  By Erin Fox | April 26, 2013 - 9:00 am | , , , ,
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As finals are quickly approaching, there is one thing, besides Jesus, that will stay with you and help you through all the long nights and studying. That one thing is coffee. College has been changing coffee haters into fanatics for years now and I admit my slight addiction for the stuff. I have truly come to love and appreciate a good cup of Joe. But, just because you’re in college doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy quality coffee drinks that taste like more than bitter sludge. Here are some of the varying ways I have come to enjoy my liquid caffeine

THE ORIGINAL

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This one is pretty self-explanatory as it is just your run of the mill cup of coffee. Of course you will need a coffee pot, (I purchased mine for six dollars at Wal-Mart) filter, ground coffee, and water.Personally I love trying different coffee from places all over the world. Follow the directions and filter through as usual then drink it out of your favorite cup or travel mug. This is for the coffee purists, but I like to add cream and sugar as well.

 

 

VANILLA ICE

coffee iced

The iced coffee option is one I love to make in the cafeteria. You start with a red caf cup and add four creamers and a pack of sugar. Next add a shot of the vanilla flavoring then fill the cup half way with ice. Now it’s time to add the coffee, and once you’ve filled it almost to the top stop and add some additional ice. Give it a good stir and enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

FROZEN COFFEE

coffee frappe

Frozen coffee is definitely my favorite to drink, but requires the most time and ingredients. Like I said before it is worth it to invest in a coffee pot, but in addition I received a blender this past Christmas and it has really come in handy especially for this recipe. After you’ve made your coffee you can proceed to adding all the ingredients into the blender. Add ½ cup of coffee, 2 cups of milk, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1 ½ cup of ice and blend well. This is a great and cheap alternative also to spending all your money on expensive coffee drinks.

I hope you enjoy these recipes and have a chance to test them out. Being at Nyack College has truly opened my eyes to the wonderful world of coffee! These are great to try for yourself or even share it with your roommate or a friend. I have learned here at college that coffee will keeps you awake and can bring people together.

Finish What You’ve Started! Get to Graduation.

  By Pierce VanDunk | April 23, 2013 - 11:00 am | , , ,
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StudyingI have seen too many people leave college and never go back to finish their degrees. Some of my close friends were unable to come back to school after one year or less because of finances or grades. Leaving a degree unfinished negates all of the hard work and money that a student has put into school before leaving, and it makes the months or years spent at Nyack a waste of time. Friends and fun are a great part of the college experience, but they are not the most important things to have. In order to make these years worth the while, you need to make it to graduation. To all those pursuing a degree at Nyack College, and to everyone considering entering college, be sure to finish what you’ve started!

Not being able to keep up with the payments seems to be the most common reason that people drop out. Money may suddenly become scarce, or loans may become harder to come by; continuing to pay the school bills is not always easy. What  students needs to keep in mind is that the time that they have already spent in school has already cost them thousands of dollars, and not earning their degrees means that the money that they have already spent has been wasted. To make the expense worth it, make sure to always keep school in the center of your mind when making any financial decisions so that you can make the payments and stay at Nyack College. Other than the necessities, paying for school should be on the top of your list of priorities.

Bad grades can also ruin a student’s college career. Skipping class, not doing assignments, and not studying for tests are detrimental to a student’s chances of finishing school. When you do not have your priorities in order, having fun can rise above maintaining good grades in importance. Procrastination is also fatal to your grade point average. Waiting until the last minute to start your assignments yields rushed, low quality work. When your grades fall below a certain point, you run the risk of not being allowed to return to school. To avoid that, remember that school is more important than having fun, and start your work early.

College is an enormous commitment, but no matter how bleak the situation seems, it is not impossible to finish school. Stay strong and persevere, because the rewards are worth it. Make good financial decisions, and be focused and consistent with you schoolwork. Don’t waste your time or you money; finish what you’ve started!

Are all Business Majors in it for the Money?

  By Jennifer Cook | April 22, 2013 - 8:00 am | ,
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006There’s a running joke at Nyack that Business majors are Business majors for the money. I don’t know if it’s the same way at other schools, but when you ask a business major why they chose that field of study, I’ve found that it’s not uncommon for that person to run their thumb and fingers together and jokingly reply, “for the money”.

When you get beneath the surface of these students, however, you usually find a different answer. Personally, I am a Business Marketing student with a double minor in Bible and Youth and Family Studies. When I first decided to be a business major, I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to go in. But soon enough, my time at Nyack College influenced me in such a way that I didn’t want to do marketing for something that didn’t matter. With my degree, I hope to work in the Marketing Department of a non-profit organization that helps troubled teens. In talking with a fellow business major, Gio Sanchez, I realized that I’m not this only one with this mind set. When I asked Gio what he was looking to do with his business degree, he replied, “I want to be a director of a kids camp in which the finance can be worked in such a way that even the poorest of inter-city kids go go for at least a week in the summer”.

Not all Business majors go in this direction, however. Many, including Honors Student Emily Wellman, shoot for the big business stars and succeed. Emily has worked in several internship positions including a Gucci Group Bottega Venetta Finance internship where she worked in forecasting and reporting annual budgets. She has also found work in personal finance consulting, and in the pharmaceutical recruiting business as an associate. Within five years of her graduation, Emily hopes to have a CPA certification, and work for Deloitte (Big Four Company); and within ten years, she hopes to do International Business work in Brazil.

Emily, Gio, and I are perfect examples of the far reaching Business program here at Nyack College. Business can take students in so many directions, and the administration here at Nyack encourages students to take hold of that and dream big. I get really excited when I think about my future beyond Nyack. I’m thankful to be educated both in how to be successful in the business world while still reaching out to people for Christ. I can’t wait to use my skills in the marketing field to further the purpose of an organization whose mission I really believe in. And that’s how it is in the Business Department here at Nyack College; we’re not just in it for the money, we’re in it because we want to work for a cause we believe in whether it be troubled teens, kids from low-income families, or International Business in South America.

Because We’re Insane!

  By Melissa | July 5, 2012 - 3:17 pm |
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This month, I am embarking on a journey I have avoided my entire time here at Nyack. I am an RA. Not to say that is an unwanted position, but I have always felt deeply unqualified. How could I possibly relate to girls with a completely different walk in life than mine? I provide that information, not as a precursor to explain how my experience as an RA has been thus far, but to say that because I am an RA, and not currently enrolled in school, I have a lot of time on my hands during the day (I will, however, explain my experience as an RA at a later date).

Because I have so much time on my hands, I have been exercising a lot. I have always enjoyed being active but I am more of a seasonal “activist.” Its amazing how great working out can make you feel, but when you try to continue the next day, you forget about how great you felt the day before and focus more on the hard work you’re about to endure. That is why most people don’t continue. And trust me, I am guilty of having that mentality.

But that has all changed. I have been a fitness freak for the past three weeks now that I am free during the days this summer. Thankfully, I’ve picked up some fitness friends on the way. Three of my friends and I have begun to do “Insanity.” A fitness craze similar to P90x but is only 60 days. It is INTENSE. I have never been so physically pushed before! The only thing that has helped me continue is the presence of my friends. It has gotten to the point that if we don’t work out, we feel incomplete. Yes, it is that serious.

I’m already relatively thin, but my biggest thing is that I want to tone and be strong. After one week of insanity, I am actually feeling and seeing results. I feel stronger and so much better about myself. It is amazing. I still feel insane every time that work out video begins. I yell at the instructor, Shaun T., and wave my fist in violent anger as we endure even the grueling warmups, but I feel fantastic afterwards. My hope is that being active becomes a part of my lifestyle. That was my “new years resolution,” actually. I am just a little late in execution.

To those of you interested in changing your lives, your body, and those of you that need an attitude change about life, I suggest insanity.

Even the suggestion is insane, right?

:)

The Best View of NYC?

  By Melissa | June 29, 2012 - 10:16 am |
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This week, I was able to do something for the first time. If you read along with my summer last year, you would have noticed that my goal for the summer time is to do one thing (new or just enjoyable) that makes my summer memorable.

A couple weeks ago, a co-worker of mine mentioned that last summer she took a boat ride around the city for just $15 and that on the opening week of this boat ride, the cost is $5. If anyone knows me, they know I take advantage of things like this. I nodded my head and said, “Perhaps I’ll check this out.”

I contacted my girlfriends in the city that I haven’t seen for a while now since I’ve been living back at Nyack, and we got a group together to go. The boat ride was said to begin at 8am and return at 11pm sharp. Two of us got there before 7:45pm… My other two friends (whom are actually sisters) arrived JUST in the nick of time, As a matter of fact, I did not expect them to make it, since I almost didn’t.

As I stood on line, waiting to get in and meet with my first friend that arrived, the security stopped at me and said no one else would be able to get on the boat. My eyes widened and I quickly grabbed my phone to call Jamila off the boat. As Jamila made her way off the boat, the bouncer quickly changed his mind and let some more of us get on. Not without first stopping me for ID. Since, apparently, I was the youngest looking person there. I suspected that since the line almost stopped at me, that the other girls wouldn’t be able to get on, but much to their fortune, they did.

hudson river view

The view was beautiful. I saw the statue of Liberty, the skyline of the Empire State Building and New York’s new Freedom Tower that stands where the Twin Towers used to stand. With that, I experienced the sunset and the bright city sky and the night reached its darkest hour for the boat ride. I must admit, the crowd and music was not entirely of my preference, but I am a strong believer of making the best out of your circumstances. I stood on a boat on the Hudson with the city at it’s most beautiful view. I couldn’t beat that.

best nyc skyline

News Flash! Labyrinths Aren’t Mazes!

  By Melissa | May 24, 2012 - 11:47 am |
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Last week, I went to a conference with my job in Stony Point New York. Stony Point is about a half hour drive north of Nyack and such a beautiful place!

During lunchtime, my co-worker mentioned that she’d been to this conference center once before, and that last time, she explored the meditation labyrinth. What is the meditation labyrinth you ask? Well, so did I! The meditation labyrinth is, a labyrinth, obviously, that you must go through quietly. The point is to get to the center without cheating (stepping over boundary lines-which were the rocks) or talking. There is one way to the center, and you take that same way back.

Once we got there, I took a gander at the labyrinth to see how I could figure it out before I began it. Mistake number one. My co-worker insisted that I couldn’t do that. She said I had to just start walking. So reluctantly I walked, unsure because I hadn’t yet figured out how to get to the center. At the first turn in the labyrinth we actually moved further away from the center. I spoke up: “This is dumb! We’re not closer! We’re further!” Again, my co-worker told me to just keep walking. As I walked, I noticed that this has been my attitude in my journey of life. When I feel furthest away from where I want to be or think I should be, I complain. “GOD!” I say… “This is not working!” God says to keep walking.

As I continued along the path, moving closer, and then further from the center before I could actually get there, I considered it a way that God spoke to me. My hope is that in everything I do, I see God’s purpose and know that I will be where I need to be soon enough, in His timing.

Later in the evening, I looked up where I could find some more meditation labyrinths. One description noted that a labyrinth is NOT a maze. Also interesting!! Mazes have dead ends and multiple ways to the center. Labyrinths have only one way to the center. God would never put me in a maze. He will always make a way. How encouraging! I hope this experience was not only meaningful to me. I hope you too see yourself in your labyrinth.

Guess It’s Time to Grow Up!

  By Melissa | May 24, 2012 - 11:39 am |
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This past week, I’ve made a couple of, adjustments to my life. One of those things being I found a place to rent. It is a home, actually. I will now be renting a room in a house with two housemates. When I finally got paid from my new job, I was excited! Until I remembered I needed a place to live. I have never had to pay rent or any other bill besides my phone and school bill so for most of my check to go to that, it was saddening, BUT the price you pay for growing up I guess!

After I paid that deposit, it hit me that I don’t have much for my room (basically no furniture). I’ve never had to! I’ve lived in a dorm the past few years! Thankfully, my friend’s housemate asked if I could use furniture. I said I did, and to my surprise she said it’s mine! Things like that only happen to pastors, veterans and ridiculously lucky people but how awesome is that? I am so grateful! I never expected that someone could be so giving to someone they barely know!

What I need to learn to do now is manage my money. I am an awesome budgeter. I can go to town on excel and plan my life. But the task now is to execute. How can I make the most of what I am making? Without being tight and stingy of course. Much has been given to me, so how do I exercise generosity now that my financial situation has become more comfortable? I guess that is my question now.

Now, I hope more than ever that I listen to Jesus and understand that His plans are more important than any project, person, anything. I know that in this new and exciting place in my life, He will send me messages and invitations that are incomprehensible, but my prayer is that I follow regardless. It is much easier said than done, but I know God will always make a way.

We’ve Made It!

  By Melissa | May 10, 2012 - 9:35 am |
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So it came and went. Graduation weekend.

IT. WAS. AWESOME.

When I graduated from High School I knew there was something bigger than that graduation that I would reach. It was a simple rites of passage, but college was voluntary unlike High School. I had a choice in college. It was something I invested in.

Leading up to graduation, I was excited, but in the I don’t know what to expect kind of way. I have graduated before, but would I be nervous, happy, sad? Would I cry? Would I be bored? Would I, like HS regret going because there was no deep satisfaction I’d felt?

The entire weekend was filled with excitement. My parents flew to New York from Florida, and the first time I was able to see them, was when I walked into Pardington Hall for the Baccalaureate. It was amazing to see how proud of me they were. I feel as if I’ve done right by not only myself to get a college education, but also right by my parents. In a family of at least 8 or 9 dozen people, there are less than 10 people who have gone to college. Some families see this as a necessity natural order of life, but in my family this is a big deal and I definitely felt that.

It was also exciting to share this moment with my closest friends…the friends I came into Nyack with…who have been with me in my lowest and highest moments…to sit with each other and have a moment after we received our diplomas and say “we did it” with direct inclination that this here, is the beginning of a lifetime, was a moment to cherish.

Before heading into the center. My friend Chris said something interesting.

He said: “They say college is the best years of your life. Don’t get me wrong, I love you guys, but I hope that’s not true.”

I hope not too. If college was the beginning of the rest of my life, I’d say it was a great start!

A Trip to Broadway!

  By Melissa | May 3, 2012 - 9:46 am |
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Every year, the Nyack College Honors group takes a trip to the city to watch a Broadway show. For some reason, every year (with the exception of our trip to see West Side Story) I doubt Dr. Gate’s judgement on the show he selects. Why I question it, I don’t know. I’ve never been let down!

We have seen Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, Anything Goes, and last week, Godspell. I didn’t know exactly what to expect. All I knew was that it is based on the book of Mark. Now, I KNOW what happens in the book of Mark but I was a skeptic on how it would be portrayed for a secular audience.

When I walked in, I automatically questioned even the layout of the theatre. The stage was round and small, unlike any I’ve ever seen, and even the first scene seemed overtly artistic, as if the entire thing would be some kind of monologue. I am pleased to say it was not!

The music was fun, the dancing was invigorating. During the intermission we were allowed to dance on stage with some of the performers and the people closest to the stage were brought up to participate. Sounds odd for a Broadway show, but I assure you it was so exciting. These performers did incredibly with their improvisations!

It was also Corbin Blue’s first performance on the show and he played Jesus. I was not sure who he was but I soon found out, from the Freshman who were apart of his time, that he is from High School Musical. He did great! We were also able to meet all of the performers afterwards. I even got an autograph from my personal favorite Wallace Smith who played John the Baptist and Judas.

Afterward, it was a blast to catch up with some of my classmates that I haven’t seen in a while since we’ve all been taking our major classes or, like myself, live elsewhere. We talked about the show, our opinions of the portrayal of the story at large and of course, which song we liked best.  I’m going to miss these shows, but it only means that I need to go off and watch a few Broadway shows on my own time. Perhaps with my siblings, or maybe even with some friends! All I know is that this annual trip to Broadway must not end here.