NICOLE ONELLO

Long time no see!

I spent this past summer as a summer analyst intern at a prestigious financial institution; I had the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry, in my opinion. Interns had the opportunity to also attend learning series to gain a deeper understanding of other sectors within the finance division. I guess I was extremely naive in my understanding of the industry at the start of this summer. I had the wonderful opportunity to gain first hand knowledge about the meaning of a bank holding company and what it actually entails. My department was newly formed and consisted of me and my manager for a period of time. It was incredible to have real work, not busy work. My projects continued even after I left. Being asked to have one shadow your daily actions is the best feeling in the world, knowing what you’re doing is of substance and value. Networking was a fun part of the experience since managers had an open door policy-literally. It was also fun running into the city for meetings at least once a week at their various offices.


Interns Ruchi, Arielle, and myself in front of the NYSE

I have always believed that one should give back to others. I feel extremely fortunate and humble for everything I have been blessed with-family, friends, health, and happiness. I loved that I was able to extend my feelings as an intern. All interns had the opportunity to give back to the community. We participated with a non-profit organization called SoaringWords. We attended a school in Washington Heights and helped fifth graders decorate quilts and pillows for children who are sick in hospitals. It is a way for these children to know that people on the outside care about them. It was fulfilling to hear the stories of these fifth graders and the creativity that filled their imaginations.

My internship lasted ten weeks. Prior to this summer, friends told me that I wouldn't have any time to do anything fun. I think they were wrong. I woke up happy to go to work every morning. Something new and exciting awaited me day in and day out. I was able to go to Mountain Creek Water park in NJ. My best friend and her sister and cousin accompanied me for a day of childish fun. It was nice to get out of the city and into the suburbs. I almost forgot how beautiful parts of the state are as mountains and trees were visible in the distance. I also didn't realize that this water park was actually on the side of a mountain! I like to think that I was getting a tan and working out at the same time. The only disappointing part of the outing was the food. I ate an Italian wrap. Who messes up an Italian wrap? It is only ham and salami in a tortilla. Sure enough, the wrap was gross! My friends make jokes that I'll eat just about anything-the human vacuum cleaner. And yes, I ate the wrap. Mind over matter. :]

Wave pool!

Getting ready to head back East.

This summer was not entirely all ‘work and no play’. Catching up with friends was difficult. I can recall not returning phone calls for weeks just because time was hard to come by. When the opportunity presented itself, friends would pick me up just to ride around. Going out to the Red Mango for frozen yogurt and gossip was popular. I also turned twenty this summer. I am no longer a teen! In a few short years, I will be in the real world without this safety net to lean on. Hard to fathom! :]

Me and Lydia

Me and Nat

Cousins

Before classes even started I participated in an adventure retreat sponsored by Campus Ministry. This retreat was the start of an annual tradition designed for freshmen to meet other students and have an outdoor adventure in upstate New York. Our retreat leaders were upperclassmen Peaches, Jacob, and KB. They had mini presentations that helped us connect with nature, faith, and each other. I am so happy that I went on this retreat. I am a city girl. I had never been camping before. Bug spray became my best friend on the trip.

Our itinerary for the weekend was flexible. On our first night, the plan was to have a campfire in the woods near the Hudson River. We had a campfire set and smores ready to roast. Then the rain became an expected camper. The rain started to pour and before we even got up to head back to our site thunder and lightning stepped into the stage. It was so dark that we could not look 2 feet in front of us as we treaded through the woods. Our sneakers were soaked and muddy and we even missed our turn back to our site. We were all drenched from our heads to our toes. The rain didn’t stop our parade. Since it was not safe to be outside of our cabins, the girls decided to have a mini campfire of our own. We ate smores with flashlights and told stories about our college experiences. It was the perfect end to the night.

Our campfire thanks to Father Stump

Our retreat leaders: Peaches, Jacob,and Katie Bigg

We also hiked across a trail that would eventually lead us to a precious peak overlooking the Hudson. As we hiked, we stopped along with our guide to look at different trees, leaves, and animals. We must have hiked about an hour and a half just to get to the overlook. No matter how difficult the trail was or slippery all adventurers made it to the peak. It was gorgeous and breathtaking! Jacob did an amazing job that evening barbecuing us dinner. Since we ate dinner at nightfall there were a TON of stars in the night sky. I have never seen so many stars in my entire life. Living in an urban environment, it is rare to view stars on the clearest night. We just looked up at the stars for about an hour and played a few games with everyone.

Some of the girls

The highlight of the trip was probably our high ropes challenge. We were to be walking across this log that was suspended about 25 feet in the air. It does not look that bad from the ground. However, once you got up there, it was intense. We learned how to correctly put on a harness and belay our teammates. Belaying controls how much rope feed a climber gets. We supported whoever was on the log by cheering and easing their fears of falling. The message that got across to everyone was that if you fall in life something will always be there to catch you whether its your faith or a loved one or friend. It was comforting to know that, while on the log, you weren’t going anywhere. Your team would not let that happen. It was a great adrenaline rush.

Belaying Melissa

In the trees

Video of me and Peaches in the high ropes challenge.

Our Adventure Retreat Crew :]

Classes have already begun. NUTS! My schedule is perfect. I only have to be on campus three days a week. The other days give me plenty of time grasp a better understanding of the material and prepare for classes later in the week. I am taking Principles of Accounting and Management, Money, Credit, and Banking, Literature, and Sociology. I already have homework due and tons of poems to read. It’s going to be a demanding semester but I love a challenge.

Being back on campus has me appreciating the life of a college student. My responsibilities consist of being a good student and person. That’s it! This summer was quite the opposite. Also, the campus is alive again; seeing the same happy friendly faces on campus just makes it easier to get out of bed in the morning. The only sad part about starting classes, in my opinion, is noticing that friends are missing. Some friends are studying abroad in different countries across many oceans. This semester/year isn’t going to be the same without them! Love you guys :]

Stay tuned. <3