Clinton Global Initiative 2010

At the beginning of fall semester 2009, I mentioned in a post that the Clinton Global Initiative University conference would be hosted here at the University of Miami in Spring 2010 (“You Can’t Underestimate the Power of Giving“).  As time progressed, more information became available towards students about becoming involved.  I submitted a commitment application (outlining a specific plan towards making a change in the community) and was fortunate enough to have it chosen and given the chance to attend.

Despite the cheesiness of the line “it was a life changing experience”, there’s really no other way to put it- never before have I been involved in something quite like this.  I had the opportunity to talk with students from across the world, listen to world renowned guest speakers, meet world leaders, network with established non-profits, and develop ideas and skills to put towards my commitment.

One of my most memorable moments was sitting next to several students from Hong Kong during the closing plenary session, where President Clinton hosted another question and answer series with several distinguished guests.  We had about 15 minutes to talk to one another before the session started, and in that short amount of time I was able to get a better look at what life in China is like right now than I ever could from reading a textbook.  It was amazing to talk about how we (the U.S. and China) view each other, the differences and similarities of problems in each country, and what we’d like to see happen in the future.  The language barrier was a slight problem, but nothing we couldn’t work around.  They urged me to look them up if I ever choose to study abroad in Asia, and I just might if I get the chance.

After two days of workshops, networking fairs, and Q&A sessions, a day of service was held at a local transition house for the homeless of Miami Dade.  Students were able to sort through donations, paint murals, play with kids, clean up the landscape, and much more.  It also gave us the chance to have some one-on-one time with some of the guests, including Alonzo Mourning, Kalpenn Modi, and President Clinton himself.

Most importantly, CGIU has given me the opportunity to push forward with my commitment (Students Saving the Arts). With seed money given to me by the University and attention from the press, I now have a better chance of networking with the necessary professionals and holding events to raise awareness.

To see the many pictures I have from the weekend, check out my Facebook page.

For a different perspective, check out this blog post I found:

http://sustainabilitymonitor.wordpress.com/2010/04/16/cgi-2010-miami-day-1/

It gives a bit more detail to the first day of the conference.

Phi Sigma Pi, Brothers Are We, HUH!

I don’t consider myself a sorority type of girl.  Nothing against it- Greek life can offer a lot of opportunities to students. While I liked the idea of fellowship, I was looking for something a bit more.

A couple of months ago I received an e-mail notifying me that I was eligible to rush Phi Sigma Pi, the National Honors Fraternity here at UMiami.  They are a relatively new organization on campus (with only two pledge classes), and I felt like this was a great chance to meet new people on campus and greatly influence how this chapter of Phi Sig was constructed.

Before I get into more details, I should describe what Phi Sig is.  While it’s technically not a Greek org, it’s similarly structured.  The brotherhood focuses on an equal tripod of scholarship, fellowship, and service- three things that are very important to me.  The fraternity is open to both women and men, obviously, and our chapter represents the great diversity found at our university.

Open rush consisted of 3 meet-and-greet events. Over 300 people rushed, and this made it quite intimidating.  It was important to keep in mind that I shouldn’t feel pressure to fit in- after all, why would I want to dedicate myself to a group that I didn’t naturally feel apart of?

After going through open rush, some of us were selected to go through ‘closed rush’.  This focused on smaller groups of us getting together, talking one-on-one with the brothers.  It was easier to get a feel for what the frat offered and helped me decide that it was the right choice for me.

I got a call the next weekend saying I was accepted into the frat.  Following that was a pinning ceremony, a big/little brother pair-up, and ended in initiation on my birthday.  I have met some great people so far- my big and I get along great, and my fellow brothers offer a network of fellowship that is an awesome experience.

all of Phi Sigma Pi, Delta Lambda chapter

beach day

Nightlife in Miami

As I mentioned in my previous post, I feel like I’ve skirted around the issue of nightlife in Miami.  I only just turned 20 a couple of weeks ago, so I’ve yet been able to experience most of the nightlife around here.  I’ll do my best to share some advice I’ve come across these past two years concerning the bars and clubs.

SOUTH BEACH

Mainly 21+. Places that are 18+ can be… less than pleasant.  Promoters scam on the younger crowd, promising alcohol and VIP seats for large sums of money.  These promoters tend to disappear quickly, without living up to their promises.  They can also be a hot spot for creepers. Just sayin’- there’s no reason for a middle aged man to be hanging around girls young enough to be his offspring.

DOWNTOWN

I always have a lot of fun when I go to Downtown.  Keep in mind, however, that you have to be more conscious of your surroundings when in the heart of Miami, as people will recognize you as college students and try to take advantage of that.  Traveling in large groups is even more important, and making sure to be extra safe is always a good measure.  My friends and I have never had any problems, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t exist.

Club Space: 18+, no cover before 12 (which sounds easier than it is… we usually don’t leave until 11:30). They have 4 different rooms with a wide variety of music.  I’ve been here a few times, but I really wouldn’t suggest it to anyone.  The music is good, but you can get that at places closer to campus (with absolutely no cover, ever). Definitely a great place for native Miamians, though.

Garden of Eden: 18+ We didn’t have to pay cover, but my friend is a real sweet talker with connections to promoters (who will befriend you on Facebook once you get to Miami like no one’s business).  I wasn’t a big fan of the music (mainly Latin techno mixes), but the atmosphere was great.  It was on the rooftop, with tons of fans (the a/c never cuts it in a club), laser shows, and fog machines.  Free drinks for ladies 21+ throughout the night.  Again, less of a college crowd, more for natives, but you’ve got to get out of your comfort zone now and then.

Discotekka/Lust: 18+ Known as the best gay club in Miami, there’s no cover for 21+, but there’s a $20 fee for those who are underage (but you get 2 bottles of water, so it’s worth it in my opinion). Like Space, there are 4 rooms-  Latin music, techno, hip hop, and top 40.  They put on shows and it’s always an entertaining night.  As someone in a relationship who isn’t looking to find Mr. Right in a night club, this is one of the few places where I can go without worrying about the opposite sex hitting on me most of the time.  A great place to go if you just want to dance.

THE GROVE

Best place to go at any time of the week.  Lady’s night on Tuesday, Thirsty Thursdays, and no need to explain Fridays and Saturdays.  The school has a free shuttle to and from The Grove (for students only) from Thursday to Saturday, starting at 9pm and ending at 2am.  Most people aren’t ready to leave by 2am, but taxis are about $10 back… no big deal, especially when you’re splitting it with 4 other people.

Chicago’s: 18+, No cover- ever. This place has become one of my favorites, and I usually go every Thursday night.  The music is often repetitive (always the same DJ?) but it’s always good.  Always packed with UM students.  The bouncers and security guards are sweethearts- once they start to recognize you, they take extra care to make sure that you have a great time. Definitely a plus.  My boyfriend usually hates going out to places like this, but even he has fun here.

The Ivy: 18+, Not sure about cover (I didn’t pay, but girls rarely have to worry about this in the first place).  Three stories tall, with a restaurant and bar on the first floor.  Music is good, but it always seems empty.

Boardwalk: Previously 18+.  Apparently they got into a bit of trouble and went back to 21+.  I personally don’t mind- I wasn’t a big fan of the DJ.  The nice thing about it was that it was an open air bar- plenty of breezes to cool off the dance floor.

I’ll add more at a later date.

As always, feel free to ask questions- I never quite know what information to include, so your comments and suggestions are a great help.

Spring Break in Miami

Last year I went home for spring break- and although I loved seeing my family, I felt like I was missing out on something. College kids from across the country travel to Miami with hopes of having the best spring break possible within the states.

Honestly, a lot of students here at UMiami don’t stay for break- why? Because we take it all for granted! South Beach, the hottest clubs, beautiful weather, great shopping, 4 star restaurants, etc. are available to us 24/7. Seeing as this week was the first in a long time that I was able to relax, I was finally able to enjoy all of these opportunities.

freedom tower.

Perhaps the only downside was not having a car.  Even without, however, I was still able to get around pretty easily via public transportation- it took all of 15 minutes on the metro to get me from campus to Downtown Miami, where I could go site seeing and shop at Bayside.

Big trees are unusual in Miami, so of course he wanted a picture with this one.

I guess GTL is trademarked, so they went for TGP?

So. Many.

We didn't get a picture with this tree =/

This guy was amazing- he played at least 5 instruments at the same time.

Even by South Beach standards, this is considered insanely packed.

Aside from the beach and some tourist-y site seeing, some friends and I also enjoyed the night life.  Because South Beach is overly packed (and pretty strict about 21+ only), we had to find other options.  I’ve never really talked about clubbing, so I’ll leave that for another post.

Hope everyone had a fun and safe break!