PROFILE:
Name: Michelle*
Age: 20
Hometown: New York, New York
Goals: “I would say my goals in life are I guess to be an academic scholar and an agent changer in world politics.”
Music: “I like everything except country.”
Michelle* is smart, there is no denying that. She’s that student who teachers love because she is able to engage. She’s won awards and will continue to do so but she’s also funny and lighthearted and knows a thing or two about fashion week.
QUESTION TIME:
1.) Is it safe to say people consider you an "academic” stereotype? How true is that and how does that make you feel?
-“I don’t want to give myself that much credit but I guess I could say that, I would agree. It makes me feel good in a way but at the same time, it’s like a motivator like if I want to keep that reputation, I have to keep focusing.”
2.) How do you think your style: fashion and music wise even your room perpetuate the stereotype?
-“No, I mean, my style is simple but still classy with a little edge; if that makes any sense. I like my blouses, my jeans and a nice pair of boots. Keep it simple and I love a good scarf.”
3.) On coming to Mville, did you think you would find your niche?
-“I didn't. I didn't know what to expect. It’s just something you have to dive headfirst into and you find it as time goes on… and I think I found it.”
4.) How has Manhattanville helped you discover more of who you are and separate you from the crowd?
-“I think Manhattanville has helped me because studying with so many people, even though it’s a small school; you get to see all types of people and through that I can say “OK well, I like what this person’s doing” and I can sort of model what I do after what that person’s done. I can also see what people are doing that I don’t like then I can say “that’s not for me.”” (Laughs)
5.) What about you do you think people will be surprised to know?
-“I’m actually secretly obsessed with high-fashion and modelling but I don’t like being associated with it. I’d rather be associated with books, yeah.” (Laughs)
*Michelle is a pseudonym as this participant has asked I keep her identity secret. That however does not take away from the truth of her experiences.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
The Ambitious Girl: Jada
PROFILE:
Name: Jada Brianna Cash-Wilson
Age: 21
Hometown: Hong Kong, China
Goals: “Ultimately, I want to be a United States Supreme Court Justice. I mean there’s different things I need to do to get there so I’m not sure of that route like if I want to go into politics or be a lawyer but I know when I’m 50 I want to be a Supreme Court Justice.”
Music: “A lot of rap and hip-hop and oldies. My two favourites are Nas and Marvin Gaye.”
Jada is one of those people who seem to be doing it all. She’s currently the president of the Manhattanville Student body and for a tiny person , she seems to have a lot of weight on her shoulders but what people don’t expect from Jada is that she can handle all that and then some, while listening to Nas in the background.
QUESTION TIME:
1.) Is it safe to say people consider you an "ambitious girl” stereotype? How true is that and how does that make you feel?
-“ I think people who don’t know me think of me that way but I think people who do know me think of me as silly and telling goofy jokes.” (Laughs)
2.) How do you think your style: fashion and music wise even your room perpetuate the stereotype?
-“Um, yeah. I think it depends on the day and who I’m meeting with. So if I’m meeting with administration it’s definitely going to be more sweaters and buttoned-up things but if it’s more like a regular day, sweatpants are in there, there’s no fashion. (Laughs) but as for my room, behind you is a wall of my favourite music artistes and on that other wall is Malcolm X, so that represents my passion for civil rights and there’s Marilyn Monroe because I just think she’s so girly and I’m girly so yeah.”
3.) On coming to Mville, did you think you would find your niche?
-“No I didn't and I’m still not really sure I have.”
4.) How has Manhattanville helped you discover more of who you are and separate you from the crowd?
-“So Manhattanville has helped me in the sense that I've learned to stand up for what’s right regardless of how many people don’t agree with me.”
5.) What about you do you think people will be surprised to know?
-“I like to watch those teen shows on the CW; I don’t know why…I do.” (Laughs)
Name: Jada Brianna Cash-Wilson
Age: 21
Hometown: Hong Kong, China
Goals: “Ultimately, I want to be a United States Supreme Court Justice. I mean there’s different things I need to do to get there so I’m not sure of that route like if I want to go into politics or be a lawyer but I know when I’m 50 I want to be a Supreme Court Justice.”
Music: “A lot of rap and hip-hop and oldies. My two favourites are Nas and Marvin Gaye.”
Jada is one of those people who seem to be doing it all. She’s currently the president of the Manhattanville Student body and for a tiny person , she seems to have a lot of weight on her shoulders but what people don’t expect from Jada is that she can handle all that and then some, while listening to Nas in the background.
QUESTION TIME:
1.) Is it safe to say people consider you an "ambitious girl” stereotype? How true is that and how does that make you feel?
-“ I think people who don’t know me think of me that way but I think people who do know me think of me as silly and telling goofy jokes.” (Laughs)
2.) How do you think your style: fashion and music wise even your room perpetuate the stereotype?
-“Um, yeah. I think it depends on the day and who I’m meeting with. So if I’m meeting with administration it’s definitely going to be more sweaters and buttoned-up things but if it’s more like a regular day, sweatpants are in there, there’s no fashion. (Laughs) but as for my room, behind you is a wall of my favourite music artistes and on that other wall is Malcolm X, so that represents my passion for civil rights and there’s Marilyn Monroe because I just think she’s so girly and I’m girly so yeah.”
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| Marilyn and MalcolmX, two facets of her character |
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| A collage of her favourite artistes by her door |
3.) On coming to Mville, did you think you would find your niche?
-“No I didn't and I’m still not really sure I have.”
4.) How has Manhattanville helped you discover more of who you are and separate you from the crowd?
-“So Manhattanville has helped me in the sense that I've learned to stand up for what’s right regardless of how many people don’t agree with me.”
 |
| Jada's SGA gavel...fate? |
5.) What about you do you think people will be surprised to know?
-“I like to watch those teen shows on the CW; I don’t know why…I do.” (Laughs)
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| Jada now interns for President Clintons non-profit |
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
The International Kid: Valeria
PROFILE:
Name: Valeria Ricciulli-Marin
Age: 21
Hometown: Cartagena, Colombia
Goals: Valeria wants to work for a non-profit, if possible in Colombia. Her frustrated dream is to be a professional Salsa dancer.
Music: “I love salsa music, I love dancing to it too, I wanted to be a professional salsa dancer.” (laughs)
.
Valeria is hard to miss on campus, she always seems to be buzzing around and involved in all activities. Traits like these are unexpected in international students who are “supposed” to be stand-offish, reserved and bad at speaking English. Valeria is not bad at speaking English although her beautiful Colombian accent gives her away. Valeria is President of the UNICEF club and her care for people shines forth in everything else she does, which by the way is a lot
QUESTION TIME:
1.) Is it safe to say people consider you an "international kid” stereotype? How true is that and how does that make you feel?
-“Well yeah, right away when people listen to my accent they say “where are you from? You’re Spanish” whatever. Some people don’t understand my name, when I go to Starbucks, they write it wrong, and they say they don’t understand it. Sometimes, I’m comfortable; sometimes I wish I didn't have such a heavy accent. Actually, I didn't realize I had an accent until I came but people tell me all the time it’s so exotic and I’m like no (laughs) I don’t like it that much but I’m getting used to it, it’s been two years already and it hasn't gone away but when people listen to me they think “oh! She talks like Sofia Vergara” from Modern Family. That makes me feel good sometimes but sometimes not because she’s really stupid sometimes, so I don’t know how to feel about that . I don’t like people to assume things about me. I like people to know that I’m different, because that’s why I’m here. I’m here to show who I am, to show my culture, so I like people to see I have different aspirations and different “costumes” and speak differently. Sometimes I feel good when people see me as different.”
2.) How do you think your style: fashion and music wise even your room perpetuate the stereotype?
-“Umm, I think when you get to know me really closely; you’ll realize that some stereotypes are true and some are not. For example, I’m really open and caring like a typical Hispanic/ Latino woman but I’m really responsible not a crazy Latina who’s always partying like some people think and I have really high aspirations. I think my way of dressing has nothing to do with that, I dress normally, you know?”
3.) On coming to Mville, did you think you would find your niche?
-“ When I first came, I was especially excited about meeting other Hispanic people because I love our culture and I am fascinated by it and I expected to only hang out with them but now I hang out with everyone. In the end, I realized one of the best lessons that I've learned in life which is: it’s not about where you come from but the values you have. For example, you and I could be a thousand times more similar than me and another Colombian girl. I realized that the fact that we’re from Hispanic countries and speak Spanish does not mean that we are going to get along. It was better to expand and meet other people, my best friend is Colombian, Maria Pava but I've tried to open myself and I've met awesome people like you, Sylvie...” (laughs)
4.) How has Manhattanville helped you discover more of who you are and separate you from the crowd?
-“Well, yeah I think Manhattanville has taught me a lot of things in many different ways. Since I came Freshman Year, a lot of my perspectives have changed. The classes I've taken with many different professors have opened my vision of the world. Comparing my culture and talking to other people has helped me appreciate more the way I was raised and the values that I have. Also comparing the good things other cultures have and how we can implement that in my country and there are also some things that I don’t like in the American culture, so I think I've realized how different I am as a Colombian and what can I learn from them and how can I apply them to my life.”
5.) What about you do you think people will be surprised to know?
-“ Usually they are surprised when I tell them my dream is to dance Salsa or when I tell them I used to do ballet, even my closest friends don’t believe me. They see me as really responsible but I’m not like that, I’m really relaxed and that has caused me one of my worst problems (laughs) but I get really bored easily. I don’t like routine, I think people will be surprised at that, that’s why I want to be a salsa dancer and travel round the world.” (laughs)
Name: Valeria Ricciulli-Marin
Age: 21
Hometown: Cartagena, Colombia
Goals: Valeria wants to work for a non-profit, if possible in Colombia. Her frustrated dream is to be a professional Salsa dancer.
Music: “I love salsa music, I love dancing to it too, I wanted to be a professional salsa dancer.” (laughs)
.
 |
| Valeria(on the right) |
Valeria is hard to miss on campus, she always seems to be buzzing around and involved in all activities. Traits like these are unexpected in international students who are “supposed” to be stand-offish, reserved and bad at speaking English. Valeria is not bad at speaking English although her beautiful Colombian accent gives her away. Valeria is President of the UNICEF club and her care for people shines forth in everything else she does, which by the way is a lot
QUESTION TIME:
1.) Is it safe to say people consider you an "international kid” stereotype? How true is that and how does that make you feel?
-“Well yeah, right away when people listen to my accent they say “where are you from? You’re Spanish” whatever. Some people don’t understand my name, when I go to Starbucks, they write it wrong, and they say they don’t understand it. Sometimes, I’m comfortable; sometimes I wish I didn't have such a heavy accent. Actually, I didn't realize I had an accent until I came but people tell me all the time it’s so exotic and I’m like no (laughs) I don’t like it that much but I’m getting used to it, it’s been two years already and it hasn't gone away but when people listen to me they think “oh! She talks like Sofia Vergara” from Modern Family. That makes me feel good sometimes but sometimes not because she’s really stupid sometimes, so I don’t know how to feel about that . I don’t like people to assume things about me. I like people to know that I’m different, because that’s why I’m here. I’m here to show who I am, to show my culture, so I like people to see I have different aspirations and different “costumes” and speak differently. Sometimes I feel good when people see me as different.”
-“Umm, I think when you get to know me really closely; you’ll realize that some stereotypes are true and some are not. For example, I’m really open and caring like a typical Hispanic/ Latino woman but I’m really responsible not a crazy Latina who’s always partying like some people think and I have really high aspirations. I think my way of dressing has nothing to do with that, I dress normally, you know?”
 |
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| The college student life filled with beautiful jewelry and gruesome papers. |
-“ When I first came, I was especially excited about meeting other Hispanic people because I love our culture and I am fascinated by it and I expected to only hang out with them but now I hang out with everyone. In the end, I realized one of the best lessons that I've learned in life which is: it’s not about where you come from but the values you have. For example, you and I could be a thousand times more similar than me and another Colombian girl. I realized that the fact that we’re from Hispanic countries and speak Spanish does not mean that we are going to get along. It was better to expand and meet other people, my best friend is Colombian, Maria Pava but I've tried to open myself and I've met awesome people like you, Sylvie...” (laughs)
 |
| The UNICEF and Colombian flags flanked by dolls... sounds good to me! |
4.) How has Manhattanville helped you discover more of who you are and separate you from the crowd?
-“Well, yeah I think Manhattanville has taught me a lot of things in many different ways. Since I came Freshman Year, a lot of my perspectives have changed. The classes I've taken with many different professors have opened my vision of the world. Comparing my culture and talking to other people has helped me appreciate more the way I was raised and the values that I have. Also comparing the good things other cultures have and how we can implement that in my country and there are also some things that I don’t like in the American culture, so I think I've realized how different I am as a Colombian and what can I learn from them and how can I apply them to my life.”
 |
| When you're as involved as Valeria, you literally have to wake up to your organizer. |
5.) What about you do you think people will be surprised to know?
-“ Usually they are surprised when I tell them my dream is to dance Salsa or when I tell them I used to do ballet, even my closest friends don’t believe me. They see me as really responsible but I’m not like that, I’m really relaxed and that has caused me one of my worst problems (laughs) but I get really bored easily. I don’t like routine, I think people will be surprised at that, that’s why I want to be a salsa dancer and travel round the world.” (laughs)
 |
| Valeria Interviewing another great Latina, Soledad O'Brien |
Sunday, December 1, 2013
The Pretty Girl : Lizzie
PROFILE:
Name: Lizzie Kabaso
Hometown: Originally from Kitwe, Zambia (Currently living in Bowie, Maryland)
Goals: “In general? You know I’m a freelance model and height is a thing, but my goal is to get signed with Wilhelmina when I graduate from school and also, I want to work as a PR person because I’m really into Communications and I took this class with Professor Rudel and I really loved it. “
Music: I listen to country gospel music, I was listening to that right now but I turned it off (laughs) It motivates me but yeah sometimes I listen to Kelly Clarkson. Oh! And D’banj, his radio station on Pandora.
It is easy to love Lizzie,
she’s like some effervescent butterfly that is always on the move, she’s the
kind of girl that’s cool with everyone and everyone thinks is cool. Another
thing about Lizzie, she also wants to be a model. The issue with that is that
people box her in like she’s the quintessential pretty-happy girl without
realizing that she is the type of model that will not do swimwear because of
her morals and a concept she learned in sociology class called
“dehumanization.”
QUESTION TIME:
1.) Is it safe to say people
consider you a "pretty-girl-model-type” stereotype? How true is that and
how does that make you feel?
- “You know what? That’s funny
you asked me that because that happened in class. I felt so uncomfortable to
speak on it. We were talking about how society treats women, you know how they
are “supposed” to be skinny and stuff but I wanted to put in my opinion like
you don’t have to be that type, like models are not always skinny. You have to
be comfortable in your own skin, like you have to choose what you wanna look
like. Just because they say so doesn’t mean you have to go down that way, no!
…So, I don’t know that was uncomfortable for me, I didn’t even end up saying
anything.”
 |
2.) How do you think your
style: fashion and music wise even your room perpetuate the stereotype?
-“ Sometimes, people are like
“Lizzziiiieee” (because) sometimes, I like to be comfortable so I like to wear
sweatpants and sometimes, my friends and other people will be like “Lizzie, are
you sure you’re a model?” (laughs) You don’t always have to be all
dressy; I don’t know I only dress up when I feel like it and sometimes, I just
get up and throw mixed things together and it comes out nice."
 |
| Lizzie likes to get inspiration from her wall from models who have made it. |
 |
| Lizzie lounging in her room, she is not afraid of colours which is highly indicative of her bold personality. |
 |
| In her everyday style, Lizzie draws strongly from her African heritage |
3.) On coming to Mville, did
you think you would find your niche?
-“ You know what’s funny? I
didn’t even think about that. I’m like a solo person. When it comes to friends,
I don’t hang out with one set of people, I’m everywhere, if I see someone going
to cafeteria by themselves I’m like “why? Let me go with you.” But I go by
myself because I was born by myself and will die by myself.” (laughs)
 |
| It's definitely all about the eclectic |
4.) How has Manhattanville
helped you discover more of who you are and separate you from the crowd?
- “No! I don’t know…maybe it
has. That’s a good question. Even in high school, I was independent but coming
here has made me be more aware of that now.”
5.) What about you do you
think people will be surprised to know?
-“That I’m studying sociology because I like to study people’s
behaviours, so people are so surprised about that. They’re like “You’re a
model, why are you going to school?” but you do need to educate yourself in a
lot of things and view things from a different perspective."
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
The Activist: Maggie
PROFILE:
Name: Maggie Goff
Hometown: Kenton, Ohio
Age : 21
Goals: Currently applying for PhD programs. Wants to work in violence prevention and would one day like to be a professor.
Music: "Lately I've been listening to a lot of electric swing music. I love the oldies, The xx, simon & garfunkel"
Hometown: Kenton, Ohio
Age : 21
Goals: Currently applying for PhD programs. Wants to work in violence prevention and would one day like to be a professor.
Music: "Lately I've been listening to a lot of electric swing music. I love the oldies, The xx, simon & garfunkel"
When you see Maggie, you probably first notice how cool she looks. Usually in High waisted trousers and docs , Maggie stands out from the crowd. However, in Manhattanville most people know Maggie as that girl, the one who is always behind a cause. That's great because the world needs more people like that but it's also sad because she is held to a higher standard. I hope whoever reads this is able to walk away knowing Maggie to be more than "that activist girl" but as that girl who genuinely cares.
QUESTION TIME:
1.) Is it safe to say people consider you an "activist" stereotype? How true is that and how does that make you feel?
-"Um, yeah I think that's accurate that people stereotype me that way and I mean yes, activism is a huge part of my life because it makes you think a lot. Particularly as a white person, it makes you think a lot about like power and privilege and what that means and how you fit into that system. Um, as a white person how do you stop perpetuating that system of white supremacy? And..I mean it does change a lot about the way that you think and you live your life but there are other sides to me...um, I don't know . I mean, I don't necessarily know how that makes me feel. I think it can sometimes put really high expectations on me and it also makes me feel really accountable to other people."
2.)How do you think your style , fashion and music wise even your room perpetuate the stereotype?
-" Yeah, I mean I think most people walk into my room and expect...well, I did have a tapestry I put up one time but usually I have more posters up in my room but also my room reflects something really simple. I wanted my life to be more simple. I mean my books are obviously all about theory and justice. I don't know, I'm pretty nerdy but I do like clothes my closet is really full and I have a lot of shoes...a fair amount of shoes ."(laughs)
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| What you don't know is Maggie is always impeccably dressed |
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| A couple of Maggie's shoes |
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| Some of Maggie's books which are almost all about social theory |
3.) On coming to Mville, did you think you would find your niche?
-"Yeah, I was hoping to find more people like me in college and I have found people here. I think you change a lot in college, and that changes the kind of people you hang out with and the people you seek out.
 |
| Maggie's "chest" she got from her grandmother |
4.)How has Manhattanville helped you discover more of who you are and separate you from the crowd?
-"Yeah, I've had really amazing classes and professors here, who have really I guess challenged me academically and to think more critically and gave me a lot of tools and a lot of perspective on the world, I hadn't encountered before. Also, a lot of the classes I've taken have also affirmed with theory and with actual readings the ideas I already had and it makes everything I've thought and the way that I see the world and the lens that I use , it made it all make a lot of sense. It was like hey! I'm not the only one who thinks this way!"
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| "In my spare time, I like to make sentences with the random word magnets on my fridge, It's fun." |
5.) What about you do you think people will be surprised to know?
-"Um, surprised to know? Hmm...that's hard. I don't know. I'm a pretty what you see is what you get person. I guess I have kind of an artsy side that isn't very talented but I have that side and that's probably not very surprising." (laughs)
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
The Artist: Sofia
PROFILE:
Name: Sofia Rivera-Perez
Hometown: Manhattan (East Village)
Age : 19. Will be 20 in December (#SendGifts!!)
Goals: After College, she wants to go to med school and join Doctors without Borders.
Music: "I don't really like a specific genre. I like classical and jazz...ooh I love the arctic monkeys so much, alex clare, twenty one pilots and Stevie Wonder, of course!"
On meeting Sofia, you think you know her. She has to be a hipster; after all she dresses like one . However, when I spoke to her on her "artsy" status, I was shocked to know that this was a girl who was doing great academically, was in the pre-med program and had a special musical talent. I hope when you read this piece you discover the uniqueness of the stereotypical "flower child" Sofia.
QUESTION TIME:
1.) Is it safe to say that people consider you an "artsy girl" stereotype? How true is that and how does that make you feel?
- "Um, I mean , I guess people see me as "artsy" but it takes a while because when people see me they think "oh! She seems normal"and just a little bit weird . Like when of my friends came in my room he said "I never knew you made these posters...wow you're actually really artsy" but I'm also an English Lit major and a pre-med minor so I guess people don't really put those two together. But it's a great outlet, because I've always been drawing and I play the violin, so that's always been my outlet.
2.)How do you think your style fashion and music wise even your room perpetuate this stereotype?
-Yeah , I know . It depends. Sometimes, I'll dress really like...i don't know. But one person I like, whose book I was just reading is Coco Chanel, the biography and I'm not so chic all the time but its nice to switch it up every once in a while. Sometimes, I'll be in all black and other times, I'll be in different prints.
3.) On coming to Mville, did you think you would find your niche?
- I definitely did because when I first toured here, one of the reasons I chose Manhattanville is because we have such a big community here. People come from all over and it's awesome because you see all these different cultures. I thought I would find my own group because college is such a big place, you're bound to find someone.
4.) How has Manhattanville helped you discover more of who you are and separate you from the crowd?
Definitely, because you have more freedom here. Not to say my parents have held me back but my parents were pretty strict so here its like oh! I could wear different clothing and won't have to worry about them being like "that's too short" and it's such a wide range of people here who inspire me and its like , I like that style. I could do something like it.
5.) What about you do you think people will be surprised to know?
Yeah, usually it's the violin. Usually a lot of people are surprised because I've been playing since I was three. That's one of of the most constant things I've ever done. That and like writing. I'm not sure. I think I'm very involved in different stuff. People are usually very surprised at how well rounded I am like "wow Sofia! I didn't know you could do all that." But I've been so immersed in music and art my whole life even I don't realise how well-rounded I am.
Hometown: Manhattan (East Village)
Age : 19. Will be 20 in December (#SendGifts!!)
Goals: After College, she wants to go to med school and join Doctors without Borders.
Music: "I don't really like a specific genre. I like classical and jazz...ooh I love the arctic monkeys so much, alex clare, twenty one pilots and Stevie Wonder, of course!"
 |
| Sofia made that poster with all the pictures by herself! |
QUESTION TIME:
1.) Is it safe to say that people consider you an "artsy girl" stereotype? How true is that and how does that make you feel?
- "Um, I mean , I guess people see me as "artsy" but it takes a while because when people see me they think "oh! She seems normal"and just a little bit weird . Like when of my friends came in my room he said "I never knew you made these posters...wow you're actually really artsy" but I'm also an English Lit major and a pre-med minor so I guess people don't really put those two together. But it's a great outlet, because I've always been drawing and I play the violin, so that's always been my outlet.
 |
| A few of Sofia's works which take "only about 5 hours!!" |
-Yeah , I know . It depends. Sometimes, I'll dress really like...i don't know. But one person I like, whose book I was just reading is Coco Chanel, the biography and I'm not so chic all the time but its nice to switch it up every once in a while. Sometimes, I'll be in all black and other times, I'll be in different prints.
 |
| Can you say cool girl? |
3.) On coming to Mville, did you think you would find your niche?
- I definitely did because when I first toured here, one of the reasons I chose Manhattanville is because we have such a big community here. People come from all over and it's awesome because you see all these different cultures. I thought I would find my own group because college is such a big place, you're bound to find someone.
 |
| Tibetan prayer flags in Sofia's room |
4.) How has Manhattanville helped you discover more of who you are and separate you from the crowd?
Definitely, because you have more freedom here. Not to say my parents have held me back but my parents were pretty strict so here its like oh! I could wear different clothing and won't have to worry about them being like "that's too short" and it's such a wide range of people here who inspire me and its like , I like that style. I could do something like it.
5.) What about you do you think people will be surprised to know?
Yeah, usually it's the violin. Usually a lot of people are surprised because I've been playing since I was three. That's one of of the most constant things I've ever done. That and like writing. I'm not sure. I think I'm very involved in different stuff. People are usually very surprised at how well rounded I am like "wow Sofia! I didn't know you could do all that." But I've been so immersed in music and art my whole life even I don't realise how well-rounded I am.
All Girls go to Mville, all dogs go to heaven.
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| See yourself here? |
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