By the end of my sophomore year I had the unique opportunity to meet a friend named Sayan Becker, we like to call her Sa. It was approaching summer and I was going to be working for Language and Leisure Experts and Sa was going to be doing an internship down here in Boca. She was going to be living off-campus for the next two years during the summer her roommate wasn’t going to be there, so I told her I was spend the summer with her so that she wasn’t living alone.

Walter Becker in the Steely Dan Band playing guitar

It was just prior to living with her that I learned I was living with the daughter of the lead guitarist in Steely Dan. Sa, Armando, Karina, Sandy, Erica, Lynette, Erica’s Mom, and I had all gone down to Hard Rock Live to see him perform in the Spring, and tonight we had the chance to do it again.

Steely Dan was playing at the Mizner Park Amphitheater tonight and Sa got us all tickets, shirts, and VIP passes. Mike, France, Dominick, Sandy, and I went to Pranzo’s first for some dinner and drinks and then walked in to see the band play. We were close to the front of the stage and many would agree we were probably the youngest individuals there, but we were having a blast.

At the end of the concert we went back stage to see her father and I was so impressed and thankful that she was able to get my ticket once again to see the band and her father perform. It was a great concert and we had an amazing time. It’s been great to have a friend like Sa, but its going to be difficult seeing her move to Cali.

Multicultural Day is a success!

Getting up for a 6am flight this morning was a huge struggle. I stayed up 24 on Tuesday night because my flight leaving Nashville from NACA was at 5:35am. As soon as I returned to campus I went to the annual tradition, Multicultural Day. When I had booked my flight for NACA in January I made sure that I was back in time for this event. It is one of my favorite events that happens on campus every year. When I was visiting Armando in Guatemala, we bought a variety of bracelets, food, and other items unique to Guatemala to put on the table.

Ryan and I got a sampling of food from the variety of countries/regions represented. I am very open to new food dishes afterall, I did go to China and eat jellyfish and other items that are not seen as common food dishes. It is ana amazing event on campus because it really brings the community together. Residents, commuters, faculty, staff, and friends come out to enjoy this great event that I believe showcases one of our greatest values at Lynn University, diversity. With our university representing students from over 90 country, this program really is a huge success.

What added to the enthusiasm and positive environment during the the event was the performance of the Morikami Museum’s “Taiko Drummers”.This entertainment added a cultural awareness and was really powerful.

Morikami Museum’s “Taiko Drummers”

The northeast got hit hard today with a major snow storm. A lot of our residents were calling Joy, our RD, to let her know that their flight was canceled. Funny thing is, Mark was driving the 1:00pm shuttle to Fort Lauderdale and actually ended up picking up Hattie and bringing her back because her flight got canceled. About 500 flights were grounded…I can’t even imagine what its like as a reservation agent when something like that happens.

I fly out to Boston tomorrow morning at 11:00am so I assume that most of the storm will be over, but it looks like we got more coming on Sunday…it will be a white Christmas after all….snow is enjoyable during the holidays as long as everyone stays safe.

We jumped on the Monorail to go from Epcot to Magic Kingdom….little did we realize that you have to switch monorails at the ticketing center. It was pretty funny especially because there was a family sitting across from us that were going to get off at the ticketing center and I told them “No, you don’t get off here”. Five minutes later they were laughing at me, since we were back at Epcot.

SGA partnered with Aveda One hair salon in Delray Beach and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer to give out coupons to all the walkers at the end of the walk. Simply saying, “Aveda thanks you for walking”. Each walker is entitled to $20 off their first hair care service and 10% off all products. As SGA President I think it is great to get involved in the community and this event truly did that.

After hearing rave reviews from my RD, Joy Doliber, I had to check out this library. There is so much to offer. Where can you rent out:

1. TV on DVD (That’s right. I rented out Lost: Season 1 and Prison Break: Season 1 and 2. FREE)
2. New Release DVDs only $2.00
3. Music CDs…Itunes is great, but the collection here is enormous.
4. The newest versions of: GMAT, LSAT, GRE, CLEP and other study guides.

Live on campus? Have you tried to get a library card and you are denied? All you have to do is ask for Residence Director to write you a letter stating you are a residential student and under a housing contract at Lynn University until May 2009. So easy and so beneficial…I know…you think I’m a nerd, but hey its neat.

Freshman begin to arrive on Thursday and we are on target for potential CAT 2 Hurricane Hanna. It is currently projected to stay east of us in the ocean and hit further north, but you never know. After surviving Hurricane Wilma as a freshman unfamiliar with hurricanes, I have some tips to survive as a college student during a hurricane:

1. Remember the residence halls are the safest place for you. Category five proof.
2. Fill up your car with gas prior to the hurricane. NOT THE NIGHT BEFORE…several days in advance.
3. Stock up on plenty of water and snacks. You never know how long it will last.
4. Refrain from alcohol, even if you are 21. Emergency centers are not able to respond as quickly during natural disasters.
5. Have a battery operated lantern and flashlights available with extra batteries.
6. Remember, Resident Assistants are on each floor/wing. They are experienced student leaders who are here to assist and provide comfort. Do not hesitate to ask them questions or seek advice.
7. Remain calm…bring out the old school board games.

8. Don’t forget any medications that you may need…
9. A radio is great to keep updated with the storm and a well charged cell phone!

10. It’s also a good idea to charge your laptop battery… you are going to appreciate the ability to watch a DVD on your laptop, or even get some much needed work done.

This was the third time within 8 months of seeing One Republic live and it never gets old. The concert was amazing. We were first in line at the gates and the moment they opened the doors Jesse sprinted to the lawn. We had lawn tickets and he wanted to make sure we were front and center. We were. They were awesome seats. We were right up front and had tons of room to spread out.

Food and beverage at venues is absolutely ridiculous…$14.00 for a frozen margarita!! $9.00 for a burger and fries…ten minutes later the price doesn’t matter because its delicious. We ended up seeing Scott and KJ there… Going to Lynn, we may have a small campus, but you are always guaranteed to see someone. When we thought John Meyer was done, he did a huge encore with three more songs. The music was phenomenal and the entire place was packed.

We went to Aspen Jacks for a while and then checked out Blue Fish. Erica and I had gone to Blue Fish a couple weeks ago and really liked it. The music was pretty descent, but the DJ changed the music at one point, and it all went bad.

If you ever get hungry in the “wee hours” of the evening check out Pizza Rustica right at the end of Atlantic Ave. THE BEST PIZZA when you are really hungry, they even have a chocolate flavor.