Beacon411

Marathon Monday

It's that time of year again - Patriot's Day and the Boston Marathon are here. It's the beginning of the tourist season too, in my opinion, and are they ever out in full force. As someone who lives in the city, it's not only an exciting time, it's a time when you have to really love living here, because it can be challenging.

Driving around the city is nearly impossible. There are tour buses, buses full of runners, people just here to observe the race and then the rest of the tourists who have no idea there's a marathon going on, who are just here to enjoy Boston in the springtime. As a resident of the city and a student of a Boston university, I'm fascinated by everything happening around me, despite the transportation challenges.

As luck would not have it, I had to move this weekend. Amid the tourists, the runners and general weekend visitors, I was shuttling couches and dressers in a UHaul between Beacon Hill and Charlestown. Normally, getting from point BH to point C is a pretty easy shot. Maybe a little over a mile or so, it's about five minutes; during rush hour it's about 15. But this weekend, each shuttle run took about 45 minutes, each way. Lights that you'd have to sit through two cycles to get through were going on six. My mental state was going from determined and focused to psychotic road rage. My advice to anyone thinking of moving in April, don't do it over Patriot's Day, no matter how appealing it is to think you don't have to go to work on Monday.

But other than those minor irritations, Boston is alive with activity and anticipiation before the marathon and while the weather gets warmer and closer to summer. The sea gulls are flying around and the water is clear and beautiful. And even though I'd like to kindly ask half of the tourists to go back to where they came from, I'm nonetheless aware that they fuel the economy in Boston and add to the vibrance and energy that makes Boston a great place to be, especially on Patriot's Day.

Enrollment

An interesting thing is happening in higher education. It's beginning to be affected by the economic downturn. Typically, when the economy isn't doing well and people are getting laid off from work, they go back to school. Some pursue master's degrees, some finish college, some earn a certificate that advances their knowledge of a subject they already know. And more.

This economic downturn is different. Yes, students may be going back to school, but many are going back to community colleges. There was an interesting segment on msnbc/NBC a few weeks back, which talked about the number of Americans headed back to school to learn a new skill, which would hopefully increase their chances of finding employment down the road. The problem is that for the first time in a long time, community colleges were significantly short on funding to service these students (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29375476/).

And now colleges and universities across the U.S. are beginning to see the impact of the recession/depression. Deposits for incoming freshman and new students are way down, for many schools. This isn't a reflection on the institutions themselves, this is a reflection, in my opinion, of the economic uncertainty we're all facing.

May 1st will be an interesting day. It's essentially the universal date in higher ed when deposits are due if students plan to enroll. I personally think families are waiting until the last possible minute to make a decision, because these days it's less about where you go, and more what you can afford.  That said, I still believe that if families are going to spend money on higher ed, they want to feel like their money is being well spent. That means value for the dollar, and I think many schools are under the gun.

I can't speak for other schools or programs, but I can speak for my own. I think Suffolk is a great university. Sure, it has it's moments, they all do. but overall, the faculty and staff are there for the students, genuinely. As part of the higher ed program, I think this particular department is so well-done, kudos to it.  I couldn't ask for more in terms of exposure and learning. If every program was as solid as my own, I don't think enrollment would be an issue. But that's just me. Happy Easter if you celebrate it.

Technology in Higher Education

Lately I've heard a lot of talk about the use of technology in the classroom. Should we have online classes in this department or that department? If the B school does it should we? How do we provide the same rigor of academics if we don't see the students face to face? How will they interact with one another if they're online? These are all valid and good questions, but questions I feel were asked about five or so years back when online classes were all the rage. Now I feel that they're morexpected and part of everyday life than the 'rage' if I may say so.

However, higher education seems to be someone behind the curve on this one. Yes, there are certain programs and schools that provide excellent online courses, but I get the sense that there are still some hold outs, who, for whatever reason, are still very uncomfortable with the online space. I understand this to a certain degree, but as the student body evolves, so must the teaching methods. I realize that those who didn't grow up with technology may be somewhat afraid or skeptical of social networking, alternative forms of media.and anything related to the internet. Is it safe? Is it interactive? How do I post, write a blog or use such academically interactive features as Blackboard? I understand these are common questions that can seem overwhelming, but they shouldn't be.

As more and more families are growing up in households where not only is there a 'family' computer, but there are individual computers for each person, the use of technology is as normal as using a cell phone. Granted, this is not all families as I certainly recognize that those who are economically disadvantaged may not have access to as much as those whose families or situations are slightly better off. That said, there are more and more schools and libraries that are offering computer labs and computer training for those who aren't able to afford such luxuries. But back to the point of the benefit of technology for teaching purposes. I've taken a number of online classes, and some of them have been even more rigorous and enlightening than those that take place in the physical classroom. If the professor is up on the latest trends and uses for technology as an academic tool, there shouldn't be any problems. And if the professor opens the class with the notion of making it just as legitimate and worthwhile as being in the classroom, there's no reason anything should be lost in translation, so to speak. Beyond that, if the fear on the part of the professor is that students won't be able to handle or grasp the material through technology, then they're very mistaken. Students today use cell phones, blackberries, and laptops for everything. They're online with social networking in as many forms as you can count on two hands. If professors don't realize that this is the way they're going to have to communicate with their students now and in the future, then there will be a disconnect in learning, but it won't be solely technology's fault.

Summer's coming...I think...

It's beautiful outside, but not as warm as I'd like. Nonetheless, it's beginning to feel like springtime in Boston, which is fantastic. Soon the Sox will start playing home games, and then it's downhill from there in terms of falling in love with the city. All of a sudden there are thousands of people on the streets, traffic everywhere and it seems like somewhere taken over by aliens. I don't entirely mind, because there's life in the city again. After a winter of freezing temperatures and extra snow, it's great to see everyone out and about.

This is also a good time for anyone considering school in Boston to think about it seriously. This is the beginning of the summer and fun times; if you can make it through the winters to enjoy the spring, summer and fall, you'll make it through school in Boston. If you haven't been here through it or you think you won't make it, be here during July. School will seem easier and life will have a different meaning; Boston is amazing from here on out. (Okay, maybe there's snow in April/May, but that's few and far between. And maybe it doesn't REALLY get warm until maybe August, if that, but it's' warm enough, the sports are amazing, and there's just something you can't put into words about Boston in the spring/summer.

Back to the school thing. I know it's a difficult decision for a lot of people to go to graduate school. Depending on what you want to do, it's either a given or something that happens only under the most opportune circumstances. Regardless, in terms of higher education, Boston has some of the best schools and programs of anywhere in the nation. I'd recommend looking into any school here; I don't really think you can go wrong if you do your research. And the best part is that you'll be in company with the Red Sox, the Patriots, a bunch of  lobsters and whole lotta students of all ages who are looking to edjimacate themselves.

Eating Boston

Err, actually, I should call the blog 'Eating in Boston,' but that's not as fun. This week and next week happen to be restaurant week in Beantown, which is what I'm alluding to. As a student, I don't really have the opportunity to take full advantage of this food spectacle, but a girl can dream. And a girl can get out every now and then. There are some amazing places to eat in this town, and most of the good places are accessible by T, which means no driving through traffic or parking issues to deal with. Hooray!

I know a lot of cities do restaurant week, but I wasn't sure how many exactly. So I did some research. I love the Google. It turns out that there are roughly 50 cities in the U.S. alone that offer a restaurant week. Oh, I suppose I should define that. Restaurant Week, for those who don't know, is designated period of time when supporting restaurants in that area offer special menus, cheaper deals, happy hours, late night menus, etc, all in efforts to bring in business and get people through the door. It's a great idea, in my opinion, but sometimes the limited or 'best of' menus are deceptive. Nonetheless, this is a fun and exciting time for self-proclaimed foodies and professionals alike.

To get back to the good stuff, Idid some research and found that Boston is certainly not alone in its celebration of food. Here's a quick link in case anyone's interested in participating restaurants in Boston and all around actually: http://honeymoons.about.com/od/romanticrestaurants/a/Restaurant_Week.htm

Please don't be alarmed by the URL or the words 'honeymoons' or 'romantic'; I think it's because that just what people in love do a lot - eat together - so they get all the good info targeted to them.

If you're in Boston currently, and looking for some great places to dine, here are some recommendations:

Casablanca (Cambridge), the Blue Room (Cambridge), Chez Henri (Cambridge), Eastern Standard (Kenmore), Great Bay (Kenmore), Mare (North End), Masa (South End), Tangierino (Charlestown), Toro (South End), Via Matta (Back Bay/Theater), B&G Oyster (South End) and 75 Chestnut, to name a few.

None of these are inexpensive or enjoyed on a student's budget, however, if there's an opportunity to get and about on someone else's dime, DO IT! These places are great, and so are the others that are part of Restaurant Week (completely my own opinion here). So get out and enjoy!

Music, music everywhere

This is completely off the subject of education, but I think important to overall intellectual growth nonetheless. Now that the warmer weather is returning (allegedly), I've noticed a lot of the better musicians and shows are headed  back to Boston. For those of you who don't know Boston well in terms of going to shows, here are a few venues that might be good to try, depending on what you like:

Paradise (http://www.thedise.com/)

Some of the shows that are coming to the Paradise are: the Wailers, OK Go, Rafael Saadiq, Keller Williams, Brian Jonestown Massacre, North Mississippi Allstars, Felice Brothers, Alexi Murdoch and Peter Bjorn and John. That's only a few of them.

The Orpheum Theater (http://www.livenation.com/venue/orpheum-theatre-boston-ma-tickets)

Music such as Hall and Oates, Adele, Seal and the Indigo Girls play here, but I've also seen Bob Dillon and Ozzy Osbourne here. It's a great old venue. Only problem is the seating can be a problem because it is an old theater.

The Middle East, The Good Life, TT the Bears, Lizard Lounge, Somerville Theater, House of Blues and Johnny D's all have good music as well, and there are many more venues that I'm not mentioning.

Once it gets really nice out, like in June, the Hatch Shell has live music too, but not quite the same kind. That's fine though, because it's a good variety and a nice change of pace from the bar-ish venues. And fresh air is always a good thing. So hopefully now that things are beginning to get going again and we're all coming out of hibernation, we can all enjoy some great music and good fun; I'm off to go see a show! 

Free time, haha

Ever have one of those weeks when you don't know what day it is for the majority of the seven potential options? Chances are yes, I guess we all have them. The only thing is, I feel like the past four weeks have been this way - a big blur of too many things to do all jumbled together to make up weeks and months. I suppose I bring it all on myself, it's hard to say no to things, especially when they're potentially going to help you get a job or further your education in some way. And then Boston itself tends to have a lot going on, and it's tough to say no to going places and experiencing new things. Don't mistake any of this for complaining, it's not. It's just a general feeling of too much to do and too little time. If only there were more hours in the day, I'm thinking 36 might be a good number to start with, maybe 40.

All this said, I found a great way to get rid of the stress of overextension - running. I may have mentioned this previously, so forgive my redundancy, but running is such a great way to get it all out and refresh the mind and body in a healthy way. Unless of course, you're completely out of shape and it's painful torture. I might recommend another option for anyone like that. But overall, it like a drug, but not. Free and legal, go figure. What I've found, living in Boston, is that there are some amazing routes to take, that I doubt many people who don't live in the city, or even those that do, have run. For instance, the Freedom Trail. This may be too aggressive for the novice runner, but even parts of it make you realize what a unique city Boston is and how lucky we are to live here. The other morning I ran from Charlestown, to the Harbor, through the North End, and down the new Rose Kennedy Greenway. It was beautiful, and I saw all sorts of historical landmarks that I typically don't get to take advantage of because of the aforementioned lack of free time.

So basically, I'm saying that despite the hectic schedule and the inability to get away from work and school, there are ways to find yourself and keep it real. The only downside is that you have to get up at 5 am.

Stuck in the middle

So even though the weather made it seem like Spring was in the air, the recent frigid temps and snow on my car made me realize that Spring was nowhere to be found. That said, it also made me realize that the semester is not almost over, and there's still a lot of school to go.

This is the time when classes are moving along and much of the "middle" work needs to be done: reading, some short papers, journals, group meetings, etc.  The end is in sight, but it's not close enough. For some students, this will be the end of their academic career - graduation is the next step. For others, it's one more notch in their belt toward a degree. Either way, the spring semester seems to have a light at the end of the tunnel that is much brighter than the one that shines during the fall. Wait, I don't recall seeing a light during fall semester...

On a completely different note, but one that also brings anticipation and excitement: the Oscars are this Sunday. Who will win? What will everyone wear? Part of me doesn't care, the other part of me wonders if Slumdog Millionaire will really win it all. And I just love those fashion disasters, although I've noticed fewer of them these days. I have to admit I haven't seen any of the nominated movies; I blame school, there's no time for anything. If I listen to the reporters, it seems like Slumdog, Kate Winslet and Mickey Rourke will be the big winners; I love it when they're wrong though since I personally think they all just agree with each other so they don't look stupid when the results are read. So maybe on Sunday night, I'll pretend the semester is over and I don't have two novels and a million journal entries to finish by Monday. I'll watch the Red Carpet on E!, do some online shopping and paint my toes...

Springtime?

There's a certain feeling in the air these days, and I'm not sure what you call it. I'd like say it's Springtime, but it seems a bit premature for that. The recent warm temperatures and sunshine, after weeks of near freezing temperatures have definitely created a sense of antsiness among students and faculty, which remind me of 'Spring Fever' and bring a feeling of anticipation to the atmosphere. This may also be caused by the fact that many students will graduate at the end of this semester, which means there will be many an undergrad and grad student looking for positions throughout the country and perhaps even worldwide. Maybe this is the anticipation I'm feeling?

I myself do not graduate in May. My particular program is a three-semester gig if you go full-time, which I am. There's a chance for end of summer, so I'm crossing my fingers. Or am I? Do I really want to graduate "early" given the state of the economy and current rate of unemployment? Or would remaining in the program until December make more sense because supposedly things will be better by then? Just as no one really has a clue as to whether or not this stimulus package will truly stimulate the economy, I have no clue what the right answer is. The best I can do is be proactive and strategic in my decision making and try to have some sort of plan. And I guess that's all anyone can do.

Unfortunately, I think there are a number of college and graduate students that don't think about getting a job as much as they should. Call me Type A if you will, but this is a tough market, and I don't think it's a cakewalk to get a job upon graduation. It's hard, it's competitive and it's going to be different than it has been in the past. But it's certainly not impossible. I just don't think that that expectation of a sweet job being handed to you upon graduation rings true. Wait, I don't just think that, I know that. I've been working in the Careers Office at Suffolk, and those students and alumni who do take advantage of our services are definitely in need of help. Whether it's a tweak to the resume, a helpful tip on the cover letter or other ideas about networking, they all say it's tougher than they expected, but are still hopeful! And I think that's the key: stay positive. Pretend like it really is Springtime and be excited about the search.

I'm hoping now that the stimulus package has passed this whole thing will become less nebulous and more lucid. How can it not, right? At least there will be some sort of direction for job creation and goals and objectives for state governments, the Fed, etc. Looking forward to what's ahead. See, positive, it's "Springtime."

Roses and Bunnies

So not to be a downer or anything, but this job market is terrible (yeah, I know, newsflash). Every time I turn on the news or read the paper or check a web site, there's another statistic telling me how many jobs have been lost, what new sectors are affected, how much longer this recession/depression is going to last, and how much money the Obama administration is spending to try to jumpstart a dying car. Really now. I was all giddy and the world was filled with roses and bunnies for about five minutes after the new administration took office. And now my hopes and dreams are shattered again. Can we not have five minutes of happy time? Guess not. Who would want to hear about that when there's doom and gloom to report. Which brings me to my point, sorry for the delay. Where in the world are all of the jobs going and how are we going to bring them back? I get the 'employ people doing public works and fixing roads and bridges thing' - lord knows we need help there - has anyone driven around Boston lately? There are more pot holes than pedestrians jaywalking, that's saying something. But the government can't give jobs back to everyone, so I'm curious what's going to happen.

Yesterday there were something like 45,000 jobs lost at a number of well-known companies such as Home Depot and Pfizer. It looks like no sector has any hope of surviving; I thought healthcare was safe-ish. I also thought Lindsay and Sam would never make it, but now they're talking joint checking. What do I know? Young Hollywood aside,  there's a lot of discussion among graduate students (and undergrads I'd imagine too) about what the job market means and what we should do upon graduation (spring or summer semesters). If we lose anymore money for education, and the government doesn't provide funding for Pell Grants or other aid, what will that mean for higher ed? If states start cutting back on state schools (community college and 4-yr) due to budgetary restraints, how many jobs will be lost, rather than gained through the government plan? Luckily, right now, higher education does not seem to be as affected as some of the other industries such as manufacturing or construction, but it's not immune by any means (see statement above). If parents cannot afford to pay tuition, higher ed will definitely see those implications in the form of decreased enrollment, which is on top of the possible state and federal cuts to academic dollars. As a student in Boston, which has the highest number of colleges and universities per capita than any other in the US, I'm hoping things will be slightly better here than in other areas of the country. Perhaps that wonderful post-inauguration glow will return by May and the stimulus packages will do their thing. Perhaps I'm delusional. Regardless, we're living in a unique period of American history. The country is being reshaped in a way, and I'm hoping it's for the better. Roses and bunnies here I come.