Hello Readers,

This summer has been very entertaining, to say the least! I’ve spent way too much money on restaurants, theme parks, touring, road trips, shopping, and the list goes on. I have attached a few photos to give you all a sneak peak of what I’ve been up to lately.

Kristle, a really close friend of mine, was feeling extremely adventurous one Saturday evening. She suggested we go for a drive – somehow, we ended up in NYC!!! We spent a mere two hours in the city, taking pictures and eating kabobs. Shortly after, we drove back to Beantown – crazy, but FUN!

Haymarket is always a great place to get fruits and vegetables at inexpensive prices. I found myself spending $20, and left the market with more produce than expected - Success!!

A few weeks back, I teamed up with some friends and we drove to Agawam and spent the entire day at Six Flags (Water Park). We ran into Mr. Six Flags and even managed to score a fantastic group discount!!

Earlier this week, a group of friends and I went to the Rihanna: Last Girl On Earth Concert. It was AMAAAAZING!!! Everything (choreography, stage props, vocal performance, and overall atmosphere) was unbelievably put together!! Rihanna has definitely grown as an artist. She performed all of her biggest hits including a number of tracks from her latest album, Rated R.

Summer has been a blast thus far. I look forward to these upcoming weeks with much excitement, as I plan to do more and continue to have FUN!

Hello Readers:

What a great weekend it has been! First off, I don’t know how I did it, but I managed to spend a mere $9 over the entire weekend. This is good, as I am determined to save as much money as possible, since my coop cycle is about to expire. For curious minds, I spent the $9 on a bunch of fruits over at Haymarket! I got mangoes, plums, cherries, and bananas. I thought about making smoothies, but couldn’t find a blender.

Just when I thought the weekend couldn’t get any better, I received an e-mail from urban clothing store, Bodega (6 Clearway Street). A link to their website brought a MASSIVE give-away to my attention! Store owners were giving away pairs of chuck taylors to the first 50 Celtics fans to visit the store on Sunday, June 6th. The chucks were a limited edition white pair of shoes with green-lettering which read, “THE DYNASTY CONTINUES” – the dynasty being the Celtics Legacy.

At about 1:15am on June 6th, a group of friends and I made our way to Bodega to set up camp. We were 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th in line! Our positions in line guaranteed each of us a pair of chucks! As we waited, weather conditions altered, but that didn’t stop us from waiting at the store’s front. At about 6:30am, a total of 27 people were in line. The store owners came by and were surprised to find so many of us waiting for the release of the Celtics Chucks. Shortly after, they began to let us in, in groups of four. A very happy and excited bunch, we left the store at 7:00am with our new FREE pairs of shoes!!! THANK YOU BODEGA!

As the day went by, I was looking forward to game two. It ended in a 103-94 victory for the Celtics after defeating the LA Lakers to even the series at one game apiece. I didn’t get a chance to wear my new chucks during last night’s game, but I will be sure to do so on Tuesday!!!!

LET’S GO CELTICS!

Hello Readers.

Can you believe that it’s May already? Time is definitely flying by, forcing me to think ahead and plan for my future. I have registered for Summer II and Fall classes and have been doing a ton of research on the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). I have also pre-ordered the Princeton Review “Cracking the LSAT-2011 Edition” which is set to be available on June 8, 2010.

Through my research, I have learned that the Princeton Review is one of the most highly recommended LSAT preparation tools on the market. As a passionate debater and an advocate of law and justice, I intend to do whatever it takes to prepare myself for the LSAT. I plan on spending a total of 180 hours studying for this exam, and trust that the time invested in studying will reap great results.

I have also prepared myself mentally to make sacrifices during the upcoming months. Some of the things I plan to forgo include sleep, a part-time job, and time spent with family and friends. I understand that these may be difficult things to compromise, but the decision was made and I intend to stick with it.

If you are in the same boat and possess a strong interest to go to law school, I suggest that you take the necessary steps to plan your future and do as much research on the LSAT as possible. It is never too early to start studying for the LSAT – THINK AHEAD and you will BE AHEAD!

It’s the end of yet another long academic school year! But what exactly does that mean? Well, for most freshmen, it means time to pack your stuff and head on home for the summer. For upperclassmen, it means time to move. Some of us are moving from one dorm to another while others are moving to off campus apartments. Whatever the case may be, everyone has got to move.

Things I like about moving:
- New scenery
- New building
- New people
- Opportunity to get rid of old items

Things I dislike about moving:
- packing things up
- lifting, pulling, dragging, and carrying objects
- the stress that comes with the thought of moving

One good thing about moving is that it brings people together. Friends often help each other move, especially when family and other relatives are not close by. Although not overwhelmed by the thought of moving, I must admit that I am very excited about moving to my new on-campus dorm.

WEST G HERE I COME!!!

Hello Readers,

On Saturday, March 13th, a group of friends and I went for a Filipino Culture Show at the Northeastern Fenway Center (Bahay Kubo). The show, which was hosted by NU Barkada, featured performances by members of Barkada, NU Caliente, main attraction and youtube sensation Ahmir, and many others. This occasion was one of the many ISSI Carnevale events.

The show got off to an early start, introducing cast members who played the role of a Filipino family. Their play gave the audience an opportunity to learn about Filipino family values, culture, and traditions. Cultural dances and outfits where showcased throughout the event, making it a fun, learning experience.

In its entirety, the culture show was simply amazing; well planned and executed. Great job Barkada!!!

Visit http://www.youtube.com/user/ahmirtv?blend=1&ob=4#p/u/2/GU7lZEZ4PGs to view/hear one of the many songs performed by Ahmir at the Culture show!

Above: R&B Boy Band Ahmir performing at Bahay Kubo.

Above: Members of NU Barkada during their “Modern Dance” performance.

Hello Readers:

As you know, one of the main attractions of Northeastern University is its coop program. In late 2009, we celebrated our 100th year of cooperative learning and hands-on experience in the workplace. This semester, I began my second coop at Foley Hoag LLP located in the West building of the Boston World Trade Center. Foley, as it is commonly referred to, is a well-known and renowned law firm in the greater Boston area with some 225 lawyers offering many services.

At Foley, I work in the labor and general litigations department. In comparison to my first coop, I have more independence and responsibility at Foley. I do, however, believe that the skills gained at my first coop prepared me for for this one. The Foley culture has been apparent since day one of my coop and I have quickly adapted to it. In the month and a half that I've been at Foley, I was fortunate enough to work closely with a number of attorneys and paralegals on a host of cases.

Undoubtedly, I am eagerly looking forward to the rest of my experience at Foley Hoag. I trust that I will gain valuable work experience and networking opportunities that will aid in my preparation for law school.

Until next time, take care.

Hello Readers,

It’s that time of year again, and the Resident Assistant (RA) selection process has begun. This is a great way for interested students to develop leadership skills as community builders and mentors. This year’s theme, “Transform yourself, transform others,” has been making its way across campus on bulletin boards, flyers, and t-shirts. In its entirety, the theme exemplifies the role of an RA as a learner, worker, builder, and leader.

Becoming an RA gives students the opportunity to meet and interact with others from all over the world. As an RA, you will play an instrumental role in the college experience of many. You will also be expected to spearhead a number of programs that will, in some way, assist in defining a resident’s college experience. Spiritual, Husky pride, educational, and intellectual are among the many types of programs that you will be able to host.

For me, becoming an RA has stimulated my growth as an individual. My time management skills, for example, are much sharper than they use to be. For the first time in my life, an entire semester was planned out in black and white. As a result, I have experienced less stressful situations. Other benefits of the RA position include free room and board. RAs are compensated with 19 meals a week and free housing. Taking on this position is, by all means, a great way to save money!!!

For more information, including applications, FAQs, and other points of interest, visit www.ra.neu.edu.

If you decide to apply, GOOD LUCK!!!

Hello Readers:

It’s been quite some time since I last posted a blog. Much has been going on, so let me give you an update.

A few weeks before the academic school year started, I underwent a very intense training session developed by Northeastern’s Residential Life. That’s right…I am now a resident assistant (RA) in Speare Hall! During the past month, I’ve been meeting my residents and getting to know them on a personal level. I’ve had the opportunity to host a few programs aimed at getting them acquainted with each other and building community. Being a mentor and someone they can come to with any problems they might be experiencing has enabled me to provide aid and act as a role model for others – It’s been fun so far!

This year, I was also the recruitment chair for my fraternity. Recruitment week was rather stressful, but went well. During this week, my brothers and I scheduled events designed for interested guys to come out and learn more about the values and ideal of our fraternity. This was also an opportunity for the rushes to learn more about the brothers and for the brothers to learn more about the rushes and their interests. Having met and interacted with many intelligent young gentlemen, I believe it is safe to say that my fraternity has a bright future ahead!

As far as classes go, I have a really good schedule this fall. I’m taking a number of interesting classes this semester, one of which being Psychology – Drugs & Behavior. The professor for this class is really good at entertaining while getting her point across. Walking into her class and listening to her lecture is really a breath of fresh air! I am eagerly looking forward to what the semester has in store!

That’s all for now…until next time, take care!

Yesterday, a few friends and I went to the dining hall to get food. We were caught off guard by the overwhelming amount of unfamiliar faces, but soon realized that orientation is in session. New students and their families were on every corner of Northeastern, readily identified by the orientation badges hanging around their necks. YOU CAN JUST READ THE EXCITEMENT ON THE NEW STUDENTS’ FACES!

Looking back, it seems like it was just yesterday when I first visited Northeastern. It’s hard to believe that I’ve been here for two years and about to enter my middler year. Time really does fly.

During these past two years, so much has happened. I’ve met so many people, taken a ton of classes, and matured as an individual (especially having completed my first cooperative experience in the professional world). I’ve been doing everything I had set out to do and I trust that the new students will do the same for their plans. There is so much in store for these new guys and girls.

MESSAGE TO THE FRESHMEN CLASS: Take advantage of the opportunities that come your way. Join student groups, take on new and exciting challenges, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Trust me; your involvement will only make you a more knowledgeable, skilled, and well-rounded person.

Enjoy your summer vacation, and I guess I’ll see you around in the Fall!

Hey Readers, hope all is well!

On May 24th, I left Boston to visit my home in St.Martin. I got to hang out with my family and friends, eat food I couldn’t have while I was here in Boston, and be in an area with white sandy beaches and 93 degree weather. Even though I only stayed for a week, I still managed to spend quality time with all of my family members and visit neighbors. I also took the time out to visit my old high school. My principal, teachers, and high school friends were very happy to see me.

On my first night back on the island, my friends and I met at Kim Sha Beach and had a bonfire. As always, we had a great time, looking back on our high school memories and laughing at the ridiculous things we used to do. To make the bonfire even more enjoyable, we barbecued chicken and ribs and made roasted marshmallows.

During three other occasions, I hung out with friends. We went to the beach, out for dinner, and kicked back at each others’ homes.

On Friday, I attended my little sister’s fifth grade graduation ceremony. She gave a speech, since she was the secretary/treasurer of her class. I was so proud of her accomplishments. After the ceremony, we headed back to our house and threw a celebration party with a good number of family members. We ate, danced, and joked around. It definitely felt good to be surrounded by loved ones.

On Saturday, I did some last-minute shopping and started to give my farewells. Though extremely enjoyable, my trip was way too short. I look forward to going back home very soon!!!