Things I Hope My Roommate Brings to College

1. A Coffee Maker/Cappuccino Machine
I love a good cup of coffee. Even a mediocre cup suffices in most circumstances. But I am one of those people who would like a coffee machine, but doesn't drink enough coffee to warrant buying one. A coffee machine would be useful, and from what I have seen, are hot items to buy and take to college this year. It seems like a lot of Stanford students like coffee and are planning to bring a machine to college. Some have mentioned bringing a kettle and French Press (great idea!), and some have even mentioned a Cappuccino machine! Either way, if my roommate brings either of those choices, I will be very happy. PS - I'll buy the filters!



2. A Futon
I like futon's for a number of reasons. For one, it is one of my favorite words to say. Pronounce futon right now out loud. Say it slow, with a burst of air as you say "foo" and dramatically as you spit out "ton". See what I mean? The Japanese have done many amazing things for the world, but I think coming up with the word "futon" ranks near the top.

But in all seriousness, futons are incredible useful pieces of furniture. They're fashionable sofas that transform into a comfortable, bed-alternative. A futon in a dorm room (granted your dorm is large enough to accommodate one) would be extremely versatile. Friends could come hang out easily, or even sleep over. It adds some flavor to the room and gives you something else to sit on and do your homework. Roommate, will you buy us a futon?


3. A Giant TV - Duh
This would be the best thing ever. Not only because we could watch cable television, but because we would instantly be the coolest room on the floor (unless of course someone brings an even bigger TV...). TV's are great though! I have a lot of movies I'm bringing with me, so a big screen would be very nice. Of course, this wish is not very realistic at all. But hey, dream big right?

(But seriously, roommate, gets us a big screen. I'll buy you lunch once a month if you do!)


4. A Solar Powered Dog Statue Lamp
I'm not even kidding. Click the image to see the product. This lamp is solar powered and is a dog statue. Since you can't have pets, I thought a dog statue might be a nice touch to the room. Remember Rowdy, the dog on scrubs? He was such a central part of JD and Turk's friendship! So will this dog. Plus he will illuminate the dorm room with his precious lantern. There is also a golden lab model if you prefer golden color dogs. I don't mind. But I really think this dog could prove to be a bonding mechanism for us as roommates! Plus, he could guard our room and make sure nothing is disturbed or stolen. Plus, I think chicks would dig him!


5. A Chocolate Fountain
I'm actually considering buying this one myself. I mean, who doesn't need a chocolate foundation in their room?! Everyone needs, and wants, them. Not only are they classic items at a party, but I feel as if they are fundamentally a part of American culture. Waking up every morning to see a chocolate fountain running in the corner of your room will do wonders to your morale and attitude! Chocolate fountains may be messy, but they're so sweet! (You can shoot me for that horrible pun). Whether you like dipping strawberries or fingers into chocolate, you should get one of these for you and your roommate to enjoy.


I hope you liked my list.

Stanford's Summer Reading

Most people dread summer reading. After all, who wants to start school early anyway?! But for many Stanford students, our summer reading rings a different note. For one, we only move during the third week of September. New Student Orientation (NSO) starts September 20th. I finished highschool in the middle of May, so I'll have a total of four months of vacation. Sounds fun, right? Well, actually it's pretty boring after a while! Summer reading means something productive to do. It also is a precursor to our real school work, which we are all very excited about.


The second reason that we are excited about our summer reading is because this reading program (The Three Books Program) is quite a bit different to most other summer reading programs. Every single freshman is reading the same three books. These books are NOT for a specific class. Instead, we will have a chance to converse with, and ask questions to, the authors of the three books. Pretty cool right? Not only do we do that, but we also will have time allocated to discus the significance and meaning of the books with the people in our dorms. Stanford students love engaging in intellectual conversation, so whether we liked the books or not, I think most students will be excited to share their experience and opinion with others.


So what are we reading?


March is the story about the father from the book, Little Women. In Little Women, he is absent for a large portion of the story, as he is out fighting in the Civil War. This book is his story. It focuses on the lessons learned during a war such as the Civil War; the passion, dreams, and hopes that are either built or shattered. Readers gain an very accurate, and graphic, perspective of what happened during the War.





One Bullet Away is a very interesting tale of a Dartmouth graduate who chooses to become a Marine, instead of taking a consulting job like his peers. This is my personal favorite, because it is such a raw book. Reading his perspective is extremely interesting and scintillating. If you want to know how military service changes a person, builds character and develops values, then read this book.





I have not begun this book yet, but I am excited to do so. According to Amazon.com, " author Carter (The Emperor of Ocean Park) examines Obama's words (particularly his invocation of the "just war tradition" during his Nobel Peace prize acceptance speech, the full text of which is included here) and actions in order to determine his position on "what he believes to be worth fighting for." Rather than vilifying Obama, who has continued the dubious war-mongering of his predecessor, Carter believes that neither Bush nor Obama had much choice, arguing that modern warfare, involving drone attacks and long-distance fighting, is an autopoietic process." 


This will probably be the most controversial of all the books. Did Obama have a choice about the war? This question will most likely come up in the dorm discussions. I am excited about this (even if I'm in the minority!) because the intellectual stimulation that will stem and grow from this first step will be very exciting and monumental in the building of Stanford's Class of 2015.

Maybe you'd like to buy these books and read them. Perhaps it'll give you an idea of what it's like to be a first year Stanford student. They aren't terribly hard reads, so go ahead! Click on the images and you'll be taken to the Amazon product.


Until next time!