Hofstra Does Pride 2017

The Hofstra community was out in full force on Sunday, June 25, marching for love and equality in the 2017 New York City Pride Parade. This is Hofstra’s second year marching in the parade. Organized by the Division of Student Affairs, participation tripled over the course of one year with 90+ students, alumni and staff in 2017.

Original story: http://news.hofstra.edu/2017/06/27/peace-love-pride/ 

A Reflection

As I quickly approach student teaching and graduating in December, I look back at the years I spent at Hofstra and how many amazing and challenging experiences I had during my years here. I walked onto Hofstra’s campus as a freshman for what would be my first long-term stay away from home, and my family. I was determined to be the coolest and most mature person I could be, but let’s be honest, I was so nervous to meet everyone, and a huge klutz. As my parents and I got out of the car a huge grin and some strawberry blonde hair greeted me with a huge hello and, “Welcome to Hofstra!” This was the first friend I met here at Hofstra. His name was Kilmer, and he became the older sibling I never had. He was there for me through everything. He helped me adjust to life at Hofstra, telling me who the best professors to take were, where to eat, and most importantly, he was there when I needed a hug.

As I started my second year at Hofstra, I walked in more calm, cool and collected, ready to take more education classes, and ready to commit to the five-year masters program. My sophomore year was my year of discovery. I tried new things and explored all of my interests. I was the assistant costume designer and soundboard operator of Masquerade Musical Theatre’s Assassins, I took a history class, a subject high school Emma hated, and I got to spend some time observing in local schools. This year was also a year filled with challenges. I remember I was taking Human Biology, and it just wasn't clicking for me. So I went to see my Biology professor, and after working with him, I got an “A” on the paper! I was so proud of myself and so grateful to Adam, I still make a point to go see him each semester to say hello.

My junior year at Hofstra has just come to a close and I can honestly say it has been the best and most interesting so far. My first semester was spent in a school that I fell in love with that I hope to work at someday. I still go back and see the fourth graders I taught from time to time. I also took an amazing Human Geography class which really opened my eyes to the incredible world we have. I even decided to take another geography class the second semester. Although, I would have to say my favorite classes from my junior year were both with Dr. Jase Bernhardt. Jase is one of the most brilliant and awesome professors I have encountered here at Hofstra. 

As I look forward to my last semester as an undergraduate here at Hofstra, I am excited to be in the classroom student teaching full time, and being able to do research on a topic I am passionate about at the same time. Jase and I even discussed presenting my work at the American Geographical Association’s upcoming conference. Also, some advice to students who are looking into coming to Hofstra or any other school for that matter: you are your own best advocate. Talk to the mentors and professors around you, they are full of knowledge and wisdom, as well as connections that can help you in the future and get you where you wan to be. The people around you are the people that will help lift you to the stars because that's where we are shooting for here at Hofstra.

-Pride Guide Emma Vaccaro

One Step Closer to the Dream

Hey there! My name is Nick Faria, and I am a sophomore Journalism major for East Providence, Rhode Island. Ever since I was little, I've always been taught to chase my dreams, no matter how difficult they seemed. My biggest dream in life is to be the best sports broadcaster in the country. My first year here at Hofstra was everything I could have dreamed of and more, as it prepared me for that next step into becoming the best. When the school year ended, I had a choice. I could go home for the summer, maybe get a job and relax - or I could work on campus and broadcast games over the summer for our radio station, WRHU - Radio Hofstra University. I chose to stay here in New York and pursue my dreams. In the beginning of the summer, I was working some music slots and would do tasks that I did during the normal school year. It wasn't until a little later on that I was beginning to get chances that most freshmen entering their sophomore year never get.

Fellow WRHU students and myself at the Stakes.

I was a field reporter for WRHU during the Belmont Stakes, and I had the opportunity to interview the winner of the Saratoga race, as well! I also covered Long Island Ducks baseball games and at one point was a solo broadcaster for the New York Lizzards, a Major League Lacrosse team. I was also on hand to watch two MLL seasonal and game records fall within the same game! I was recently selected to cover a hockey event for the radio station, as well as a local newspaper! This summer has taught me a lot about myself, as well as sports I normally wouldn't think to cover, like horse racing. I'm so glad I made the choice to stay here over the summer because it really helped me to be one step closer to reaching my goal.

Saratoga winner, Kent Desormeaux, and I.

Peter went to LA!

Hey! My name is Peter Charney and I am a senior pursuing a BFA in Theater Arts with a concentration in production. This summer I decided to go on an adventure! Instead of sitting around at home and binge-watching my favorite shows on Netflix, I decided to travel to the place where those shows are produced: Los Angeles, California!

Fellow Pride Guide and Drama major, Justin Chesney, and I decided to make the journey from East to West coast in order to explore potential work opportunities for when we graduate from Hofstra next spring. We wanted to check out what it was like to live in Los Angeles, as well as discover what kind of opportunities they have in the entertainment industry.

We were able to stay with a former Pride Guide, Tanner Alvarez, who is currently working in the TV industry as a post-production supervisor. He was able to introduce us to some of his friends who are also working in the industry along with showing us around the area. We were able to see a live taping of the Conan O’Brien show, a new movie with a Q&A talkback with the directors, and several movie and television studios. We also went to see the Dolby Theater (where they host the Oscars!), climbed to the Hollywood sign, and went to Disneyland.

Justin (left), Peter (middle), Tanner (right)

Our trip was a great learning experience. This was really my first time travelling alone without a plan, and I learned a lot about myself. Even though the trip was a success, I think I will stay in NYC when I graduate due to the many connections I have in the city. However, if I was ever offered a job in LA I would happily accept it, knowing that I am now prepared. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll being seeing my name in lights back in “La La Land!”

Shayna's in Ireland!

Walking Glen cholm cille!

Dia duit! My name is Shayna and I'm a senior at Hofstra University. I'm a Psychology major with a minor in Management. I'm currently studying in Ireland at the National University of Ireland, Galway campus. When I was in the college search process, I always knew I wanted to study abroad. Traveling has always been something important to me and to have the opportunity to study and immerse myself in another country's culture is something I could not pass up! When it came to picking the right abroad program, I knew I did not want to be gone for an entire semester. My program is only a month, which is perfect for me as it gives me the chance to take one class while meeting my degree requirements and still be able to attend classes in the Fall semester with my friends.

With my best friend in Sligo!

Going abroad was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Being with other Hofstra students and learning about the culture has broadened my horizons and exposed me to things I would have never known before! During my month here, I have also visited many other cities like Dublin and Dingle, among others. I'm so excited to bring my experiences back to Hofstra with me. Cheers!

Meet Your Summer Pride Guides: Ryan McCallen

Name: Ryan McCallen

Hometown: North Merrick, NY

Major: Accounting/Political Science

Year: Sophomore

1. Why did you apply to be a Pride Guide?

Pride Guides have the important job of representing the Hofstra student body to incoming students, and I wanted to show students how awesome Hofstra is.

2. What is something most people don't know about you?

I don't get cheese on my bacon and egg sandwiches.

3. What advice do you have for first year students?

Make sure you get involved in some type of club or organization because it allows you to make friends that share a common interest.

4. Describe your New Student Orientation experience.

It was pretty cool! I knew I was going to commute to school, so orientation allowed me to make friends and meet people who turned out to be both my fraternity pledge brothers and hockey teammates.

Summer fun at the Hofstra Fitness Center

Hi there! My name is Cristina Vintimilla, I'm a Pride Guide on campus during the school year and summer! During the summer, I don't have to worry about going to class, studying or attending club meetings so naturally I have more time. So, I guess that means I don't really have an excuse to not exercise, right?  

Want to know something even better? 

All Hofstra students have access to the Fitness Center year round at no additional fee! Yes, that means you no longer have an excuse for the "Freshman 15." The Fitness Center opens as early at 6am during the school year and stays open as late as 10:30pm. This ample amount of time allows every student to schedule gym workouts before or after class.

What's my favorite part about our Fitness Center? Oh, well thanks for asking!

Lately, I've been attending our free group training classes. Hofstra offers Yoga, Zumba, Spinning, Boot Camp, Amazin' Abs, Pilates and Cardio Kick-Boxing. My personal favorite is Boot Camp with Dana, she pushes everyone to give 110%. 

And I haven't been the only one attending these classes. Other Pride Guides went to Yoga class together last week! 

Wait, there's more! We have 63 cardio pieces, over 50 Cybex strength training pieces, an indoor track and two full basketball courts. 

Personal training is also available to students on a first come, first served basis. Now, you don't have to worry about working out alone, you can have a buddy motivating you right by your side. Before 5pm, an outside guest is welcomed when accompanied by the student. 

Click here to learn more about Hofstra's Fitness Center. 

Meet this summer's Pride Guides: Laura Bennett

Name: Laura Bennett

Hometown: Great Neck, New York

Major: Physics and Biochemistry 

Year: Junior

1.  Why did you apply to be a Pride Guide?

I wanted to recreate the great experience I had here at Hofstra when I attended Admitted Students Day.

2.  What is something most people don’t know about you?

I’ve lived in five different countries. China, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, Brunei and here!

3.  What is your favorite stop on tour?

I love showing the monkey-puzzle tree!

4.  What advice do you have for incoming students?

Always take advantage of free food. 

Meet this summer's Pride Guides: Jack Saleeby

After students move out of their dorm rooms and travel back home for summer break, there are a few students who stay behind. The summer tour guides are spending their summer working in the Office of Undergraduate Admission. They're here to help you discover Hofstra's campus and share their experiences with you!

Name: Jack Saleeby
Hometown: Southbury, Connecticut
Major: BFA Theater Arts
Year: Senior

1. Why did you apply to be a Pride Guide? 
One of the major reasons why I came to Hofstra was because of my tour guide, Brian Chess. He became my mentor and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.

2. What is your favorite stop on tour? 
I like the student center because I love to talk about food. I would consider myself a Hofstra foodie. 

3. If you could go back to your first year, what would you change?
My first year was so good that if I could go back I would fail all my classes so I could repeat it.

4. If you were a jellybean, what type would you be? 
I would be the flavor grass because I’m fresh and always growing.

By Cristina Vintimilla '17

Congrats to the Class of 2015 + hello summer break!

The 2014-15 school year has ended here at Hofstra. We celebrated the Class of 2015 at the Commencement ceremonies last weekend. It's been a great year, and we're already looking forward to campus being busy again. It's pretty quiet!

A tribute to the Pride Guides who graduated this weekend!
(Created by Cristina Vintimilla '17)

There's a lot to look forward to this summer. The Class of 2019 will be visiting for Orientation, and here at the Office of Admission we're gearing up for campus visits with prospective students interested in checking out everything Hofstra has to offer.

Head over to hofstra.edu/visit to register for your information session and tour. We look forward to showing you around!