The last two weeks of the program were dedicated to the most anticipated class, finance. Finance has the reputation of being by far the most difficult content, and with only two weeks to learn and be assessed, there’s little room for error. It was a bit of an abrupt change going from complete freedom and time after class, cute aesthetic studying in a cafe, and lots of group dinners to independent studying for hours, lack of sleep, and quick Centra dinners. Collectively, we all were hesitant and anxious about finance hearing the stories of students failing, up studying until the wee hours of the morning. Spoiler, it was so much better than we expected. I had the pleasure of being taught by the wonderful Professor Skimmyhorn, who, I won’t lie, was super intimidating at first having a background in both West Point and Harvard. I fully expected to be behind and not understand any of the content. For context, in our orientation it was explained that the grading scale was altered so that an A was 80-100, B 70-80, etc. and that most students fail the first quiz, which is never a good sign. It turns out that our class all passed the first quiz, and really well! Out of the 8 total days we had class, 6 had some type of assessment, and we had a quiz on the very first class. If anything, this class was a bonding experience with us all trying to figure out how to do a case study the night before the course started and trying to print on campus for the first time when every building was closed. What was believed to be the hardest part of the program quickly became a stressful yet exhilarating experience. I won’t say it was completely easy, I did in fact study all day until 1 and wake up at 7 to study again most days. We had class from 9:30-3:00 with an hour break for lunch. But as a group, we did more than survive. We flourished! In between the blocks of studying I began to ease myself back into running, having taken months off of dance and any physical activity besides walking. Discovering a new running path each time made me appreciate the larger size of campus in comparison to William & Mary. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Colonial Williamsburg runs!! Fortunately or unfortunately, however you’d like to see it, I had my birthday on the second week of finance. It was the perfect storm of quizzes, my family in town, sleep exhaustion, and cadbury chocolate. Having only known my classmates for a couple weeks, we’ve already become such great friends that they organized a birthday picnic right after class. It really was the best day despite having to study on the bus home after family dinner at a pub. All in all, halfway done, halfway to go, I honestly wish the program was longer. Studying abroad is proving to be just the thing I needed and at the perfect time.
Author Archives: dosori
Dublin Diaries 4 – A Day in My Life Abroad
Our management class begins at 9:30, so I typically wake up around 8 to get ready. After getting ready, I’ll make a breakfast of eggs, cheese, and toast (Ireland has the best tasting breakfast foods). Typically there’s a group of people already in the kitchen, so we discuss our plans for the day and what we’ll do after class, always ending in a centra run to get coffee before heading off to the business school. The UCD campus is extremely walkable and more so for our specific program. We live in The Village which is right next to a student center with a centra (think of it like a wawa), gym, and a short walk away from laundry and the business school. Our management class has been so interactive and interesting so far! For instance, we did a simulation about a pandemic and made decisions on how to run a country based on different scenarios. We have class from 9:30-12, a break for lunch, and then resume either class from 1-3 or work on group projects. After class we usually hit the gym, take a nap, or study for a bit before heading out to dinner. I will say that collectively we’ve eaten out more for dinner than cooked, but it’s all for the experience right! Friday is a bit different as we have our global immersion class that day in the Blackrock campus. Together as a group we get on the S6 bus to head to Blackrock around 8 so we can grab breakfast at the Lazy Days Cafe. During our first class we shared our favorite foods from home and tried some Irish snacks! Weekends are variable as sometimes we have scheduled excursions, and sometimes have free weekends. For the first weekend we had excursions to the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery.
Dublin Diaries 3 – First Impressions of Ireland
We’ve been in Dublin for a week now, yet it feels like we’ve been here for weeks. It instantly felt like home from touching down in Ireland to going to the pub with friends and talking with our professor during lunch. I’ve really tried to appreciate every little moment we’ve had here in Dublin so far as I’m not only grateful to have the opportunity to live abroad in a country I have ancestral ties to, but also to learn from a variety of experts (professors and guest speakers) in their respective fields. I’ve been to Dublin once before, but honestly it feels like a completely new city this time around. On day 1, the students in the program already were familiar with each other having met once in person and for a week of virtual classes, so it didn’t take much to start becoming friends. There are 14 total students who each get their own room, but we all share two kitchens and common areas, but somehow we decided to all use the same kitchen, cooking breakfast and dinner together. We established a house charter through our second class in management, establishing rules for cleaning, talking in the hallway, and of course pirate tuesday! The best thing about living in Ireland during the summer are the long days. The sun rises before 5am and sets around 10pm, so it’s basically like having two days in one. So far, we’ve explored the city center, Blackrock, and Bray. I’ve climbed a mountain, studied in multiple cafes, yelled “that’s so cute!” about 5000 times a day, missed too many buses, gone to so many different pubs, taken a billion photos, heard lots of live music on the streets and in restaurants, and made so many lifetime memories and friends. I can full heartedly say that this was the best decision to come here and I can’t wait to learn more, explore more, and see where this journey takes me!
Dublin Diaries 2: The Rocky Road to Dublin
As a former competitive dancer, I’ve had numerous experiences with packing and planning for trips both short and long, domestic and international, but preparing to spend over two months in a country is nothing short of overwhelming. What should I bring to a country with unpredictable weather and highly variable temperatures? What should I buy there instead of bringing with me? I already know I’m not one to pack light, but trekking tons of luggage across the streets of Ireland is probably something I’ll regret once I arrive. Also considering the massive amounts of souvenirs I’ll bring back for friends and family, I need at least some room in my suitcases.
Here’s my thought process for packing: everyone in the program was given a brief list with things that will be provided (we get housekeeping and free linens!), along with things to consider bringing. After looking at this list, I started with my essentials and required items. What are the things I cannot operate without, what clothing items are staples in my wardrobe, (obviously a raincoat will be needed since this is Ireland), can’t forget power adapters, a basic first aid kit, important documents, toiletries, computer, phone, etc. Then I added clothes and shoes for all weather conditions besides snow. I divided things into what I should put in my carry-on and larger suitcase based on how much I might need to access them when travelling. This helped to keep luggage to a minimum and consolidate only what I actually needed to bring. During the packing process I made sure I understood that whatever I was bringing, I’d have to repack at the end of the trip to bring home.
As for beginning the actual course content, this proved equally as difficult. I have been working as a dancer in a show at Busch Gardens since March, and two weeks before leaving for home I injured my knee. Being abruptly and unexpectedly unable to dance or walk without crutches, my planning and excitement for Ireland quickly got pushed to the backburner. I had to focus on the obstacles in front of me in order to confirm I would be able to continue on the trip. The same week of the injury and being put on crutches we had our first week of synchronous classes, luckily over zoom. Each class was three hours and introduced key concepts, team projects, and how being in Ireland would impact the structure of the class. The two weeks after, we continued our classwork asynchronously over blackboard. My first class once arriving in Ireland will be Management in a Global Environment! Each class will last two weeks (imagine having a final every other Thursday!), and will be a fully immersive experience with guest speakers, excursions, hands-on group projects, in place of hour long lectures.
Luckily, the recovery process has been going smoothly and in a couple days when I get to Ireland, I should be fully on the mend. It’s been quite the rocky road to Dublin! I’m so excited that this trip is finally just a couple days away from becoming reality and am looking forward to sharing all about it here in the Dublin Diaries!
Introducing the Dublin Diaries
This summer I have the pleasure to be traveling to Dublin, Ireland where, along with 14 other W&M students, I’ll be studying all about global business. Having nearly completed my junior year, I didn’t think studying abroad was in the cards for me, but this perfect opportunity arose exactly when I needed it! I distinctly remember perusing summer opportunities here at W&M and finding the Mason Business Minor Program wishing it was held abroad. Turns out it was, and in Ireland no less! During this program, a small group of students learn from star faculty including Professor Skimmyhorn, Professor Teller, and Dr. Edmiston on various business topics leading to the completion of a minor in Global Business (all within 4 months!). I am so beyond excited to not only travel and live in Dublin for two months, but also be immersed in a new learning environment.
To begin building the foundation of our program, the students and faculty gathered for program orientation this past Saturday. We listened to presentations on the courses we’ll be taking: marketing, management, finance, innovation & design thinking, and global business immersion.
Having spent most of my academic experiences studying biology, this introduction to business classes was nothing like I expected. During the intro to Management in a Global Environment we were told to ask the person next to us, “when was the last time you cried in front of someone.” To tell you I was stunned and confused at this moment would be an understatement, but it made so much sense as the lecture went on. This question led to a deeper discussion of polarization as a global reality and how finding connections and becoming better communicators can help elevate leadership and management skills. Having this phenomenal lecture just in program orientation really sets the bar high for this summer!
In addition to learning inside the classroom, we’ll be taking weekend trips to various locations within Ireland and Northern Ireland! In addition to these excursions, I hope to continue dancing abroad as an Irish dancer myself! This program will truly be an immersive experience that is sure to have a profound impact on my academic, personal, and professional career. You could feel the growing anticipation and excitement of everyone during orientation which certainly made me buzzing to begin!
Join me on this journey to chasing dreams and a Global Business Minor by following along during the Dublin Diaries!
5 Essentials That Make My Dorm Feel Like Home
Planning out your dorm room already? Your dorm is your second home while away at college, so making it feel comfortable should be top priority. Here are some things that I’ve found make my dorm room feel more like home.
1. Rugs – Most W&M dorms have tile floors which can be cold! Your feet will thank you for adding a rug to your room! Having a rug also completes my room and makes it feel more cosy.
2. Pictures of friends and family – Pictures of friends and family are a great way to decorate your room and bring some personality and memories with you! I have my pictures set up right above my desk so that I always see them while studying.
3. Fake plants and flowers – I love adding fake plants and flowers to my desk and windowsill to make everything seem more lively!
4. Favorite snacks – tasting my favorite snacks always reminds me of home.
5. Stuffed animals / pillows – my stuffed animals have been with me for years, so it only made sense to bring them to college. They’re nice decorations that remind me of home!
6. Books! – I love to read, so bringing my favorite books with me was a must.
7. String Lights – I have a ton of string lights up in my room at home, so bringing them here not only makes my dorm room look pretty, but it also reminds me of home!
From Student to Stage : How I Manage Studying Biology While Being a Dancer at Busch Gardens
Coming in as a spring transfer student, my college experience was already a little different from the traditional path. But every spring and summer the Abbeystone Theater at Busch Gardens becomes my third home (after my house and W&M!). During my family tradition of visiting Williamsburg twice a year since I was two, we would walk around campus, stroll down D.O.G. Street, and watch the Irish dance show Celtic Fyre at Busch Gardens. So as soon as I knew I would be going to W&M, I knew I had to audition for the show. Working a full time performing job while also a full-time college student has its pros and cons. My days consist of school in the morning, grabbing food to go from Sadler or Caf and long 8-12 hours of rehearsal or a 3-4 show day. Initially I was concerned that being away from campus for such long periods of time would make me feel disconnected and behind, but that certainly hasn’t been the case. My professors at William & Mary have been so helpful and supportive of me chasing my dream, making sure that I don’t miss any information and stay on track. Even if it means watching lectures remotely or meeting during office hours. Having such a busy schedule has taught me how to be more efficient in managing my time and also the importance of taking breaks. Jumping straight into the working world as soon as I got to college was both exciting and a bit overwhelming, but I wouldn’t have been able to do it without such a strong support system.
Me as lead in Celtic Fyre!
Finding Off-Campus Housing
Searching for off-campus housing doesn’t have to be stressful! There are many helpful
resources to begin your search. Firstly, first and second year students are required to live on campus. You may choose to remain on campus for the remaining two years, but some students
prefer to move off campus after fulfilling the two year requirement. Talking to your friends and
classmates might help you determine whether you’d like to move off campus, and if so, where.
If you aren’t familiar with the area or are interested in learning more about rental opportunities,
this resource can help introduce you to the current rental listings that are a close walk, bus ride,
or drive to campus. Here is the link to the off-campus housing website:
https://www.wmoffcampus.com/
In this website you can filter and sort the number of bedrooms, building type, move-in options,
lease type, transportation, and more to help find what you’re looking for. This resource focuses
on new lease apartments, but if you’re looking for semester long lease options, roommates, or
sublets, Facebook groups are a helpful tool to check.
STEP also has a helpful guide to navigating off-campus housing! Here you’ll find resources to begin your search, core considerations, tips on staying engaged with campus, and a guide to your rights as a tenant. Here’s the link: https://www.wm.edu/offices/step/current-students/form/off-campus/
Oftentimes when people study abroad, you’ll find semester-long sublets, especially in the
spring. Similarly, if you’re looking for summer housing, lots of students will sublet while they’re
away in the summer. The Facebook group, “College of William & Mary (W&M) Housing, Sublets,
& Roommates” is a helpful tool for finding more affordable and flexible off-campus housing. In
this group many students post their sublets and housing opportunities as well as roommate
requests. Here you’ll find a mix of both apartments and houses. The Facebook group, “College
of William and Mary (W&M) Apartments and Housing (NO SPAM)” is also a good group to find
sublets and roommates.
New housing on the way – introduction to the new dorms
With housing selection around the corner, the chaos and anticipation surrounding which hall to choose for the next academic year ensues. But this upcoming selection is bringing in more new options than ever for both incoming new students and returning undergraduates! Here is an overview of the 5 new residence halls opening this upcoming fall!
Cedar Hall
Cedar Hall is part of the Jamestown Triangle with Hardy and Lemon Halls. This hall will be home to 270 new first-time-in-college residents, including Sharpe Community Scholars. It has singles, doubles, suites, and stand-alone arrangements along with learning commons, study rooms, and lounges over 4 floors. Cedar Hall is the perfect spot right in the middle of campus! Only a short walk to both new campus and old campus, and it’s right across from the Integrated Science Center.
Maple Hall
Maple Hall is part of the brand new West Woods 1 neighborhood! Maple hall will be home to 150 returning undergraduate residents on four floors. This hall has both single and double rooms along with lounges and study rooms. Maple Hall will also be home to the new Lavender House, a special interest community for LGBTQ+ identifying students. A bridge will connect the West Woods to Sadler!
Oak Hall
Oak Hall is part of the West Woods 1 neighborhood! It will be home to 150 returning undergraduate residents in both single and double rooms. This hall also includes centralized lounges, communal hall kitchens, and study rooms at the end of each wing. THe first floor of Oak Hall will include a great room for meetings. If you take a tour of in future years, you’ll be sure to see the model room within this hall too!
Pine Hall
Pine Hall is the largest of the West Woods 1 neighborhood. This hall houses 500 first year and returning undergraduate residents in both single and double rooms. The four floors of this hall include centralized lounges and kitchens, study rooms, and two outside terraces on the second floor. The fourth floor of Pine Hall will be home to the brand-new Global Village, a living-learning community for various languages!
Poplar Hall
Poplar Hall is also part of the West Woods 1 neighborhood! This hall will be home to 120 first-year residents in both single and double rooms. This hall has centralized lounges, study rooms and will be connected to Sadler via the pedestrian bridge!
The Haunted History of W&M
With a campus as old as William & Mary’s comes a long history of tragedy, famous phantoms, and haunted buildings. With lots of stories of paranormal encounters in academic buildings, unexplained lights in residence halls, and apparitions running through the Sunken Garden, legend has it that spirits from W&M past roam campus, especially when autumn leaves start to fall and shadows grow long at dusk. The Wren Building is the oldest college building in continuous use across the entire country! Originally used as the home for the entire college (and we think our campus is small now!), it was utilized as a hospital for wounded French soldiers during the Revolutionary War. During this time, soldiers were buried around Colonial Williamsburg including underneath the Governor’s Palace. Similarly, during the Civil War the Wren Building was converted into barracks and a hospital for Confederate soldiers, leaving many to die of illness and untreated wounds. Students have reported hearing unexplained footsteps in the Wren Building and even seeing apparitions of soldiers wandering through the halls! Did you know that there are tombs located underneath the Chapel? While they’ve been raided many times between 1729 and now, famous Virginians such as Lord Botetourt and Sir James Randolph were buried here. Another cemetery is located between Tucker and Blow Hall for former college presidents and students who’ve
Sources:
https://www.wm.edu/style/old-haunts.php
https://magazine.wm.edu/online-exclusives/halloween-2019.php
https://thetab.com/us/williamandmary/2016/10/29/ghost-stories-william-mary-1012
https://williamsburgmemorialpark.com/our-history/
https://flathatnews.com/2007/03/23/reves-first-be-buried-college-cemetery-1894/