when a beaver meets the big apple...
I dont know what happens in that situation. All i know is that now if I have to tell someone about the best 4 weeks of my life, I know what I'll talk about :D
*dreamy look*
So anyway, the MIT Alumni Association organizes an
IAP Externship Program in which students get to intern at firms all over the country (and Europe as well). I participated in the program and was placed in Merrill Lynch's Global Markets Analyst program. And that's how I ended up there. You know, I've been to New York several times before, mostly to apply for visas, renew my passport etc. So it's not like I hadn't seen the city...then what the hell happened? I'm still trying to find answers. So far, I've convinced myself that it's not the city, it's the experience that I am so in love with. I was living the typical city life...working in financial district, apartment in Tribeca, weekend shopping in SoHo, late night desserts at Cafe Figaro in the Village...and oh the gyro on 51st and 7th! That dude knows his stuff. Sigh, I had never seen this coming.
I'd have to give credit to people on my desk for a huuuuge part of the experience. They were the nicest bunch of people I've met, and they made sure I saw the 'real' city...from having authentic new york pizza, to getting my first manicure/pedicure in the city. I'd wake up in the morning with a smile on my face, looking forward to going to work...how many people get to do that? I was never a morning person myself! And I always tried to stay away from Sales and Trading - I had heard not-so-good stuff. Stuff like loud working environment (i LOVED that!), the whole early hours thing...(wasn't a problem at all!), having to follow the markets every second (hey it keeps you on your toes!), etc etc. What's not to like? On a serious note, if anybody (if people read this blog lol) is considering S&T and would like to talk to someone, I'd be more than happy to share my experience. =)
I can't say I'm not disappointed in myself. You know, I always thought of myself as an academic. Applying to grad school and all (which I am going to, no matter what) but I hadn't expected myself to enjoy this life so much. Maybe I liked it so much because it was temporary...and so different. I like change (which also explains my room switch every semester). It's funny because I'm feeling a little guilty about having so much fun in this 'sinful' life. Maybe it's all the MIT masochism in me speaking, you know, pain is heaven and pleasure is sin? Lol. I have GOT to stop analyzing my feelings.
Enough writing. Time for some pictures! I know some people have been waiting for them, so here you go! ;)
* Lobby - World Financial Center
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* 4 World Financial Center, Merrill Lynch HQ
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* View outside the North Tower...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Apartment - sadly, I spent little time in there, there was SO much to do in the city!! =)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* I actually ironed my clothes the night before... *good girl* haha.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* They had an outdoor pool! It was too freaking cold to go anywhere near it though :(
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Saying hello to the beavers at the Museum of National History...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* At a Rangers game, Madison Square Garden! =)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* This never gets old... =)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* My favorite picture from the set. At the Brooklyn Bridge..
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* More Brooklyn Bridge..
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* On the Staten Island Ferry...(it's free. Lol)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Empire State building, the view from observatory was breathtaking!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So yeah, school feels pretty dull after all this. And the term is picking up rrreeeal fast. I'm a rising senior now! The flu had me down for over a week but I'm feeling a lot better now.. hence the much belated blog entry. I'm taking some really interesting classes this term, so hopefully I'll get back on track soon.
That's all for now...Oh I moved into a new room. Will post pictures of that once I have all my I <3 NYC posters up. Lol.
Laterrrr!!!