NYU Diversity Conference Day 1

So... today was the first day of the NYU diversity conference.  As I lay here on my bed I figured I would write an update before going to sleep.  I'm going to write it as the days events happened...

First I went to work haha.  Unlike a lot of the people, about 50% of people are not from the tri-state area, I live only a couple of subway stops from NYU.  So I got to the Kaufman building around 4:30.  Upon picking up my name badge I was told that I look familiar, by someone from NYU.  I said "yeah I've been here last year for a marketing event."  They said, "Oh yeah.. and your last name is unforgetable."  I smiled and thought to myself "Thanks mom and dad!"  If you guys don't know, my last name is Battle-Baxter.  Battle is my moms last name and Baxter is my dads last name.  It just happens to flow.  Say it outloud and you'll see...  Richard Battle-Baxter.  If you throw in my middle name it sounds even cooler...  Richard Alvin Battle-Baxter.

Anyway, upon arriving I was escorted into a reception area with soda, coffee, and some snacks.  I met a couple of cool people.  You know how that goes.  Initially everyone is standing in a small group of 3/4 asking the standard questions - "What do you do?"  "Where are you from?" "What other schools are you looking at?"  Just have these answers ready because you will be asked them by other prospectives at every event you attend.

So then after the little hour long reception we went upstairs to the 11th floor and sat at tables for an introductory speech to the weekend.  I noticed that there were about 100 prospective students there.  Actually, I think it was closer to 90.  So after that speech it was time for ice breakers.  It was similar to musical chairs in that each table was given a scenario ie. "You are the owner of a restaurant and have to come up with a dish that represents NYU."  or "You are an olympic planning committee and you are to come up with a city and new sport for the next olympics!"  The games were fun and interactive and allowed us to meet a whole bunch of people we probably wouldn't have met otherwise.

Then after the ice breakers it was DINNER TIME!  Dinner was only across the hall but it was a complete 180 from where we were previously.  It was as if we were at a 5 star restaurant!  I sat at a table with my friend Jessica and we had two current students sit with us, as well as the director of admissions, Issor Gallagay.  I personally love 3 course meals.  We had a nice appetizer.... steak and potatos....this amazing cupcake...and coffee. Oh... do not let me forget to mention that the wine was flowing!  My glass was never empty and at one point I said to the person next to me.. "they really want us to get drunk don't they?"  which was funny because then the waiter echoed my comments as he refilled my glass.

One of the best parts of dinner was listening to the Dean speak.  Being a minority himself, he could really relate to the positions that we were all in.  If I tried to begin to mention all of the accolades of this dean, I would write a 9 paged book.  He's phenomenal and has this hhmm... ora... about him.  The dinner conversation was great.  It's always nice to hear from current students, but this time it was different.  I think maybe because we were sitting at the table for so long and the personalities of the two current students assigned to our table, we got a lot of great insight into the Stern experience.

After dinner we were lead downstairs into the basement for Beer Blast which was dubbed Sangria Blast for the evening.  From what I understand this event occurs every Thursday and is open to all Sternies.  So we get down there and it's hot because there were so many people, but it was fun!  I saw a couple of my friends who go to Stern and talked to them for a bit.

An coincidental thing happened though, which in hindsight is not too surprising considering my past experiences.  So one of the students who was sitting at my table saw me at Beer blast and told me to come find her after I got my drink.  So I did, and she introduced me to the two people she was talking too.  One of the guys told me who he used to work for and I'm like... Oh did you work in Ohio?  He said yes.  So I asked "do you know ________ and _______?"  He's like "oh I love _______ and yes I know ________ and (Current student sitting at my table) knows him too!"  I thought that was weird so I turned to her and said "How do you know ________?"  She said "I grew up with him!"  I thought that was weird because I grew up with him.  We played soccer together since we were very young and I had never met her.  So I said.. did you live in Old Bridge?  And she said "No... our parents grew up together in Nigeria so we've know each other forever!"  I was like "wow... what a small world?"  Now if you guys are wondering who this person we were talking about is... Well.. he's my friend who is now at Duke Fuqua!  You know... This Guy!

With that being said - and I could have said much more - I'm going to go to sleep.  I have a very long day tomorrow and I'd rather not be tired.  Plus I'm excited to get to wear my new custom suit that I got last month!  Not sure which shirt I'm going to wear with it, but I'm sure I'll figure it out in the morning!

Later...