The Rutgers website has a link of fun facts about the Newark campus. According to this link, over 80% of Rutgers Newark students acquire financial aid. Now, I am not sure if this number is high or not, but knowing that the school contains over ten thousand students, and understanding what 80% of ten thousand is, I thought it should be necessary to thank everybody and everybody responsible for financial aid. Yes, I understand it is a pain in the ass to keep up to date with it, and they send emails and have particular clearing dates on whether or not you will acquire the money, but people need to understand that it is FREE MONEY helping you pay for college, and you should be more than grateful for that. I decided to do some research on financial aid....
According to HowStuffWorks, financial aid is defined as "aid to somebody who is worthy," with the specific term "worthy" having no specific definition. From personal experience, I receive financial aid, and I deem myself as worthy for it. Also, I know many kids who are worthy of financial aid, due to their monetary standpoint, whether they live in a poverty stricken home, live by themselves, have a child, etc. In addition to all of this, I know people who have financial aid that I do not think are worthy of it. Students that come from middle class or above homes and have more than enough money to pay for college, all in one pay check, yet these kids still receive financial aid. I am not trying to knock anybody, but what I am trying to do is have you understand how much money is shelled out by financial aid.
HowStuffWorks estimates two thirds of college students receive financial aid, some more than others. Putting this number into perspective is astronomical, and should be appreciated. I am very thankful for my financial aid, because I know without the money they give me, I might not be able to afford college, and my bank loans might not be approved. SHOUT OUT TO FINANCIAL AID. Thanks for making my life easier, and my college education possible!
If you want more information on Financial Aid, her is the HowStuffWorks link:
http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/college-planning/financial-aid/college-financial-aid.htm
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Add New Rooms
I have been driving into Newark for school the past couple of weeks. Now that I finally have a car, I realized it would take much less time to drive in and find parking for a few dollars in a lot on University Avenue. On average, it gives me an extra two hours in my day; I get to wake up an hour later, and the commute is cut in half because I don't have to wait for a train, then drive home from the station at Montclair State.
Listen. I am the farthest thing from a morning person that you could possibly meet. I am a grumpy, lazy,lousy, grouchy little fuck when I wake up, and I have no problem admitting it. This is why my drive to school will dictate how the remainder of my day will go. Route 80 is right around the corner from my house, so I take that route to school. 80 to 20, 20 to 46, 46 to 21, and boom, I'm in Newark. All of these major highways, and I am bound to run into some sort of traffic, but it all depends on how much.
I know I am hitting traffic at the end of 21 when I enter Newark, but this is because there are 4 consecutive red lights, so it goes by fairly quickly. The problem is whether or not 80 has traffic, or 21 has traffic as soon as i merge onto the highway. When I drive to merge onto Route 80, I could tell if there is traffic when I need to drive over the overpass, which either puts me in a good mood, or a bad mood for the remainder of my day, (I am such a stubborn prick). If there is no traffic on 80 or 21, then I'm the happiest man alive!
The reason for this post is due to the fact that Rutgers is a commuter school. With this in mind, I could imagine how many other students go through all of the trouble and frustration that I go through. Newark is a huge city, very dependent on business, and has a train that commutes to New York City, so commuters thrive in Newark. According to University Business, about 90% of Rutgers Newark students are currently commuting. This number is amazingly high. In my opinion, I think it is due to two factors:
1) College students do not want to live in downtown Newark, and ....
2) The majority of students that come to Rutgers Newark are commuters due to its affordable price. If they wanted to dorm, they would go to New Brunswick.
University Business states that this culture is changing rapidly. Not only are more Rutgers Newark students asking to live on campus, but NJIT students are depending on living on campus, as well. Check this website for more information on the housing and dorming possibilities in downtown Newark:
http://www.universitybusiness.com/article/cancel-commute
Listen. I am the farthest thing from a morning person that you could possibly meet. I am a grumpy, lazy,lousy, grouchy little fuck when I wake up, and I have no problem admitting it. This is why my drive to school will dictate how the remainder of my day will go. Route 80 is right around the corner from my house, so I take that route to school. 80 to 20, 20 to 46, 46 to 21, and boom, I'm in Newark. All of these major highways, and I am bound to run into some sort of traffic, but it all depends on how much.
I know I am hitting traffic at the end of 21 when I enter Newark, but this is because there are 4 consecutive red lights, so it goes by fairly quickly. The problem is whether or not 80 has traffic, or 21 has traffic as soon as i merge onto the highway. When I drive to merge onto Route 80, I could tell if there is traffic when I need to drive over the overpass, which either puts me in a good mood, or a bad mood for the remainder of my day, (I am such a stubborn prick). If there is no traffic on 80 or 21, then I'm the happiest man alive!
The reason for this post is due to the fact that Rutgers is a commuter school. With this in mind, I could imagine how many other students go through all of the trouble and frustration that I go through. Newark is a huge city, very dependent on business, and has a train that commutes to New York City, so commuters thrive in Newark. According to University Business, about 90% of Rutgers Newark students are currently commuting. This number is amazingly high. In my opinion, I think it is due to two factors:
1) College students do not want to live in downtown Newark, and ....
2) The majority of students that come to Rutgers Newark are commuters due to its affordable price. If they wanted to dorm, they would go to New Brunswick.
University Business states that this culture is changing rapidly. Not only are more Rutgers Newark students asking to live on campus, but NJIT students are depending on living on campus, as well. Check this website for more information on the housing and dorming possibilities in downtown Newark:
http://www.universitybusiness.com/article/cancel-commute
Cory Booker
Politics is not necessarily my area of expertise, but I can say I am informed with political issues that are circling out lives. Many names and faces are very familiar, although I do admit I do not know enough about politics to preach as to whether or not I think an individual deserves to win and/or lose an election. Being a Newark student, I am familiar with the same Cory Booker, and what I do know about Cory Booker is that he has shaped and changed the culture of Newark in his way to become the Senator of New Jersey.
Cory Booker was the mayor of Newark, up until elected Senator this year. Booker took pride in his job, and greatly wanted to change the culture and outlook of Newark and make it a city that was not thought of as a city of high crime and drugs. His goal was to rapidly reduce the crime rate, but not by locking up individuals. Since I am a Criminal Justice major, I am informed about a variety of different theories and policies. Cory Booker chose the "Broken Windows" Theory to help reduce crime. This theory suggests that improving the look and development of the city would greatly reduce crime. The logic is simple. An abandoned building in shambles will draw attention to high crime, whether it be drugs, or a place to commit other crimes. By making this building cleared for use, or even by fixing it up and making the building appear nice and well groomed, this would help keep crime diverted away from the building, which will help with lowering crime rates and drug usage. By enhancing development projects and beautifying the city of Newark, he believes people won't have the outlook that the city is a nasty, beat up run down place. With thoughts like this, people will commit crimes because they live in the slums, and if it still looks like a slum, they will blend in with their environment and act the same. Booker believed that this theory would be highly effective.
And it was. During his time as Newark, the crime rate dropped (sorry, I could not find statistics), and the drop was so significant that he received national credibility. He used these credentials and statistics to help his candidacy while he ran for Senator, and these overwhelming stats helped him become the first African American Senator in New Jersey. As a part of the Newark family, I think Booker is a great politician who did great things for this city. Hopefully, he continues to improve in his position as Senator and does great things for the state of New Jersey.
Cory Booker was the mayor of Newark, up until elected Senator this year. Booker took pride in his job, and greatly wanted to change the culture and outlook of Newark and make it a city that was not thought of as a city of high crime and drugs. His goal was to rapidly reduce the crime rate, but not by locking up individuals. Since I am a Criminal Justice major, I am informed about a variety of different theories and policies. Cory Booker chose the "Broken Windows" Theory to help reduce crime. This theory suggests that improving the look and development of the city would greatly reduce crime. The logic is simple. An abandoned building in shambles will draw attention to high crime, whether it be drugs, or a place to commit other crimes. By making this building cleared for use, or even by fixing it up and making the building appear nice and well groomed, this would help keep crime diverted away from the building, which will help with lowering crime rates and drug usage. By enhancing development projects and beautifying the city of Newark, he believes people won't have the outlook that the city is a nasty, beat up run down place. With thoughts like this, people will commit crimes because they live in the slums, and if it still looks like a slum, they will blend in with their environment and act the same. Booker believed that this theory would be highly effective.
And it was. During his time as Newark, the crime rate dropped (sorry, I could not find statistics), and the drop was so significant that he received national credibility. He used these credentials and statistics to help his candidacy while he ran for Senator, and these overwhelming stats helped him become the first African American Senator in New Jersey. As a part of the Newark family, I think Booker is a great politician who did great things for this city. Hopefully, he continues to improve in his position as Senator and does great things for the state of New Jersey.
Seriously?
It took me long enough, but I can finally say I am comfortable walking around on campus and knowing where every building is, and exactly where I need to go. For example, if somebody tells me to meet them at Ackerson, I don't need to say "Where is that?" I've been on this campus for two and a half years, so that gives me enough experience to get my way around. Yet, I still struggle to find a solid dining place for when I have my night classes, and I don't think that will change anytime soon.
I'm sure I am not the only one, but I am not a huge fan of the food on the campus. Does that mean I refrain from eating it? Of course not! Usually, my first two years, I would go to Robeson and either get a salad or a grilled chicken sandwich, (yes, I am a health conscious freak). I always bring water from home; I go shopping once every week or so and buy three 24 packs of water, so I grab three or four bottles every day an take them to school with me. At one point, I was even making sandwiches for myself before every day, due to the fact that I would get so bored with eating the same thing every day!
This semester, I really started switching things up. One of my favorite lunches nowadays in the turkey panini at Starbucks. It is turkey deli meat, which is the healthiest deli meat you could get, with whole wheat bread and a mustard spread. It is really good, but not too filling, which makes me upset every time I swipe my card and six dollars is taken out of my account. Another place I have experimented with is Robert's Pizzeria, on Washington Ave.It is a deli restaurant, where you could get a a slice of pizza, a grilled chicken wrap, and many other typical pizzeria foods. Robert's is not too expensive, and they do give very big serving sizes, but being such a health freak, there really isn't much for me to get to eat there. There grilled chicken caesar wrap is very good, but it gets boring eating the same thing for lunch everyday, and I try to stay from monotonous things. I've tried a chicken and gyro platter with some rice at the place next to the bookstore, but I am not a big fan of eating that food, although it is pretty filling.
I've been patiently waiting on the Java place to open. It's located right next to Subway, (which I've tried, not a big fan of Subway either). The coffee place was open my first year here, but they have done construction and renovation on it, and I am waiting for it to open up! I think the food should be just wha I need, healthy, not too pricey and somewhat filling. Once it opens up, I will keep everybody updated on their menu selection, and whether or not it was good.
I'm sure I am not the only one, but I am not a huge fan of the food on the campus. Does that mean I refrain from eating it? Of course not! Usually, my first two years, I would go to Robeson and either get a salad or a grilled chicken sandwich, (yes, I am a health conscious freak). I always bring water from home; I go shopping once every week or so and buy three 24 packs of water, so I grab three or four bottles every day an take them to school with me. At one point, I was even making sandwiches for myself before every day, due to the fact that I would get so bored with eating the same thing every day!
This semester, I really started switching things up. One of my favorite lunches nowadays in the turkey panini at Starbucks. It is turkey deli meat, which is the healthiest deli meat you could get, with whole wheat bread and a mustard spread. It is really good, but not too filling, which makes me upset every time I swipe my card and six dollars is taken out of my account. Another place I have experimented with is Robert's Pizzeria, on Washington Ave.It is a deli restaurant, where you could get a a slice of pizza, a grilled chicken wrap, and many other typical pizzeria foods. Robert's is not too expensive, and they do give very big serving sizes, but being such a health freak, there really isn't much for me to get to eat there. There grilled chicken caesar wrap is very good, but it gets boring eating the same thing for lunch everyday, and I try to stay from monotonous things. I've tried a chicken and gyro platter with some rice at the place next to the bookstore, but I am not a big fan of eating that food, although it is pretty filling.
I've been patiently waiting on the Java place to open. It's located right next to Subway, (which I've tried, not a big fan of Subway either). The coffee place was open my first year here, but they have done construction and renovation on it, and I am waiting for it to open up! I think the food should be just wha I need, healthy, not too pricey and somewhat filling. Once it opens up, I will keep everybody updated on their menu selection, and whether or not it was good.
It Has Got to be Famous!
I arrived at work, mentally preparing myself for a horrible day at work. I had an off premise job, and who knows where I needed to go. My jobs vary; I could drive 2 hours with a van full of alcohol, tables, coolers and other things necessary to set a bar up, sometimes I have another bartender with me, sometimes the house has there own bar and liquor, or sometimes I only need to drive 5 minutes to a place that has a bar in their home. There are so many different options that are possible. I just hate when my boss texts me my schedule, and tells me that I have to travel off premise for a job. I look working at the catering hall so much better!
Well anyways, I grabbed the sheet to see where I had to travel. I was bartending a reunion for Seton Hall, and it was in Newark at a dining hall, which actually happened to be a mile or so away from campus. I was with one of my coworkers, and we didn't have to bring a lot of supplies, so I was pretty elated for that. So, we got the van loaded, grabbed some food, and drove to our destination.
We arrived on the job, loaded everything off the van, set our bar up outside, (it was a beautiful day), and realized we have about 2 hours to kill. We smoked a few cigarettes, grabbed a beer from the cooler, and decided to just relax before we had to start working. Sad to say, when you're a bartender, these bad habits come with the job, (but, to let everyone know I quit smoking!). While we were sitting in the van, we recognized a huge cathedral. This wasn't your typical church. It was a huge, high arching cathedral with a massive point at the top, made out of what appeared to be beautiful stone. We decided to go on Google and do research on some famous churches and cathedrals in Newark.
It was historic. Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. After doing some research, we found out that it is the fifth largest cathedral in North America! We really were amazed; we couldn't put into perspective that we were staring at a religious cathedral that was so famous and known. It was built in the late 1800s and the building was completely finished by 1954 (according to Wikipedia). We were astonished at the fact that it took over 50 years to build such a work of art. The stone was so fine, and the building was prestige and rich looking. The city of Newark is very religious. Many people don't have much, and look up to God for guidance and forgiveness, so a cathedral of this stature is only fitting to have in a city like Newark.
When it was time to start working, we still were talking about how beautiful and serene the cathedral appeared, and jokingly made a promise that we were going to visit it after work (which both of us knew we were just going to go home and pass out). I would love to visit the cathedral one day, and actually see what the inside looks like.
Well anyways, I grabbed the sheet to see where I had to travel. I was bartending a reunion for Seton Hall, and it was in Newark at a dining hall, which actually happened to be a mile or so away from campus. I was with one of my coworkers, and we didn't have to bring a lot of supplies, so I was pretty elated for that. So, we got the van loaded, grabbed some food, and drove to our destination.
We arrived on the job, loaded everything off the van, set our bar up outside, (it was a beautiful day), and realized we have about 2 hours to kill. We smoked a few cigarettes, grabbed a beer from the cooler, and decided to just relax before we had to start working. Sad to say, when you're a bartender, these bad habits come with the job, (but, to let everyone know I quit smoking!). While we were sitting in the van, we recognized a huge cathedral. This wasn't your typical church. It was a huge, high arching cathedral with a massive point at the top, made out of what appeared to be beautiful stone. We decided to go on Google and do research on some famous churches and cathedrals in Newark.
It was historic. Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. After doing some research, we found out that it is the fifth largest cathedral in North America! We really were amazed; we couldn't put into perspective that we were staring at a religious cathedral that was so famous and known. It was built in the late 1800s and the building was completely finished by 1954 (according to Wikipedia). We were astonished at the fact that it took over 50 years to build such a work of art. The stone was so fine, and the building was prestige and rich looking. The city of Newark is very religious. Many people don't have much, and look up to God for guidance and forgiveness, so a cathedral of this stature is only fitting to have in a city like Newark.
When it was time to start working, we still were talking about how beautiful and serene the cathedral appeared, and jokingly made a promise that we were going to visit it after work (which both of us knew we were just going to go home and pass out). I would love to visit the cathedral one day, and actually see what the inside looks like.
The Rock
New Jersey only has one major sports team. Although the Jets and Giants play in East Rutherford, they are labeled as the "New York" Jets/Giants. The only major sports team New Jersey has in the New Jersey Devils, which is a professional hockey team. The Devils play at the Prudential Center in Newark, which is only necessary because Newark is the states biggest city. But, some people aren't aware that the Prudential Center is much more than the home of the Devils. "The Rock", a nickname for the Prudential Center that is very common in the media, also holds many other events.
First, a little background. The Rock was built in 2007, solely for the purpose to move the New Jersey Devils franchise to play in the states biggest city; a business decision of come sorts. The nickname "The Rock" is derived from the Prudential Financial logo, which happens to be to be the Rock of Gibraltar, (the link at the end of the entry will give more information on the Rock of Gibraltar). The Rock has been very successful thus far; it holds many different events and, since it is placed in the middle of a business city such as Newark, it attracts many tourists and business ventures.
Seton Hall also calls the Prudential Center home. The Seton Hall Pirates mens basketball team, which is Division 1,uses the Rock to play their home games, so attending a college basketball game in a big time atmosphere could be a fun time. I logged onto the Ticketmaster website to see what events were coming up at the Prudential Center, and the diversity and difference between events is outstanding. Apart from NJ Devils and Seton Hall Pirates home games, there is a world famous Orchestra event scheduled, as well as Pink, the female pop singer, who has a tour concert there, as well. Here is the Ticketmaster link:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/Prudential-Center-tickets-Newark/venue/16847
I think the Rock is important to the city of Newark. It holds many different events which can draw tourists to Newark to see what the city has in store... and it also will keep the structure of the city because it gives residents something to go do. I haven't been to an event yet, but I am looking into a few concerts at the beginning of the 2014 year. If anybody keeps up with my blog, I promise to post about my experience at the Rock.
Information on Rock of Gibraltar:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_of_Gibraltar
First, a little background. The Rock was built in 2007, solely for the purpose to move the New Jersey Devils franchise to play in the states biggest city; a business decision of come sorts. The nickname "The Rock" is derived from the Prudential Financial logo, which happens to be to be the Rock of Gibraltar, (the link at the end of the entry will give more information on the Rock of Gibraltar). The Rock has been very successful thus far; it holds many different events and, since it is placed in the middle of a business city such as Newark, it attracts many tourists and business ventures.
Seton Hall also calls the Prudential Center home. The Seton Hall Pirates mens basketball team, which is Division 1,uses the Rock to play their home games, so attending a college basketball game in a big time atmosphere could be a fun time. I logged onto the Ticketmaster website to see what events were coming up at the Prudential Center, and the diversity and difference between events is outstanding. Apart from NJ Devils and Seton Hall Pirates home games, there is a world famous Orchestra event scheduled, as well as Pink, the female pop singer, who has a tour concert there, as well. Here is the Ticketmaster link:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/Prudential-Center-tickets-Newark/venue/16847
I think the Rock is important to the city of Newark. It holds many different events which can draw tourists to Newark to see what the city has in store... and it also will keep the structure of the city because it gives residents something to go do. I haven't been to an event yet, but I am looking into a few concerts at the beginning of the 2014 year. If anybody keeps up with my blog, I promise to post about my experience at the Rock.
Information on Rock of Gibraltar:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_of_Gibraltar
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Beware!
I took advice from Professor Wood and some classmates, and decided to construct some interviews for some following blogs. I recognized that I was almost at a standstill, and couldn't keep posting blogs about my experiences in Newark, due to the fact that they really didn't have a specific meaning or point on comparison. Yet, interviewing individuals in Newark about issues or controversies in the city would be a great idea, whether it be random pedestrians, students, faculty members or anybody else I came across. Also, it would keep up with the "Experiences in Newark" focus of my blog. I did many interviews in high school for our school newspaper, and I also had to piece together and edit a bunch of videos on interviews for MSG Varsity to post on their website for Media class, so I had a lot of experience with interviewing.
So, I started simple... I asked some friends to help me out with a blog of mine, and decided to ask them some broad questions about the Rutgers Newark campus. A few buddies of mine, E, M and S, (whom all happen to be Business majors), decided to help me out, and gave me answers to kick off this interviewing process. It's a start . . . .
Q: Where is your go-to spot to eat while you're on campus?
E: "Definitely Robert's," which is a pizza place on Washington Ave., near the CJ building. "You can get a calzone, a wrap, salad, pretty much anything you want. Oh, and it's really affordable too."
M: "I just get a cappuccino at Starbuck's, maybe one of those oriental salads they have."
S: "I eat at Robeson every day. I could make a salad if I want. Sometimes I get a burger or sandwich, or just a giant plate of fries."
Q: Where is your favorite spot to get work done, on campus?
E: "I go to the Dana Library, second floor. There are a bunch of rooms and cubicles that are always available, and it's always quiet."
M: "I usually go to the computer lab in Smith Hall. They have color printers, and it's big, so there is always an empty seat."
S: "When it's nice out, I sit outside on my laptop, but the Wifi sucks here," (go figure!), "During the winter, I just go into the Dana Library to get my stuff done."
Q: Favorite professor?
E: "I had Professor Gato for Algebra my first semester. That guy is hilarious, and he is an awesome teacher. You can't ask anything better than to have a genuinely awesome guy be your math teacher."
M: "I was never good in English, but Professor Vancalberg helped me so much. He really focused on analysis, which helped me become a better writer. The guy doesn't care what people think about him either, which is how I am like."
S: "Professor Kurti, without a doubt. I took a criminal justice class as an elective, and this guy is awesome. He always cracked jokes, and we watched 'Boyz n the Hood'."
Some simple, Day 1 interviewing questions for some students on campus. this really focuses on broader aspects of the University and the campus. Eventually, I will ask some more specific questions and really try to pick some brains apart.
So, I started simple... I asked some friends to help me out with a blog of mine, and decided to ask them some broad questions about the Rutgers Newark campus. A few buddies of mine, E, M and S, (whom all happen to be Business majors), decided to help me out, and gave me answers to kick off this interviewing process. It's a start . . . .
Q: Where is your go-to spot to eat while you're on campus?
E: "Definitely Robert's," which is a pizza place on Washington Ave., near the CJ building. "You can get a calzone, a wrap, salad, pretty much anything you want. Oh, and it's really affordable too."
M: "I just get a cappuccino at Starbuck's, maybe one of those oriental salads they have."
S: "I eat at Robeson every day. I could make a salad if I want. Sometimes I get a burger or sandwich, or just a giant plate of fries."
Q: Where is your favorite spot to get work done, on campus?
E: "I go to the Dana Library, second floor. There are a bunch of rooms and cubicles that are always available, and it's always quiet."
M: "I usually go to the computer lab in Smith Hall. They have color printers, and it's big, so there is always an empty seat."
S: "When it's nice out, I sit outside on my laptop, but the Wifi sucks here," (go figure!), "During the winter, I just go into the Dana Library to get my stuff done."
Q: Favorite professor?
E: "I had Professor Gato for Algebra my first semester. That guy is hilarious, and he is an awesome teacher. You can't ask anything better than to have a genuinely awesome guy be your math teacher."
M: "I was never good in English, but Professor Vancalberg helped me so much. He really focused on analysis, which helped me become a better writer. The guy doesn't care what people think about him either, which is how I am like."
S: "Professor Kurti, without a doubt. I took a criminal justice class as an elective, and this guy is awesome. He always cracked jokes, and we watched 'Boyz n the Hood'."
Some simple, Day 1 interviewing questions for some students on campus. this really focuses on broader aspects of the University and the campus. Eventually, I will ask some more specific questions and really try to pick some brains apart.
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