Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Barnard - A Special Community for Students and Parents

Hi everyone! My oldest daughter is a Barnard sophomore in the middle of a fantastic college experience. Having recently moved back to Manhattan, I couldn't resist getting involved in some of the activities sponsored for the extended Barnard community. The opening of the Diana Center was spectacular and really demonstrated the deep commitment held by the Barnard faculty, alumnae, and current student body. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend a visit. Every season, we receive a beautiful booklet presenting various events sponsored by the school. I plan to attend "Moving Towards Utopia - What Kind of City Lies Ahead" - a symposium that will be held at Barnard Hall on April 14th @ 6:30 PM. I thought that it sounded interesting since my husband and I are currently involved in the NYC "Save the Garment Center" effort. You can find a myriad of activities and events on the Barnard website.

Since we live close by, it has also been easy for my daughter to keep me updated on the latest Barnard happenings and to just say hello. Actually, come to think of it, I think her trips hold a higher purpose: to raid the refrigerator, "borrow" some of my clothes, and even take some houseplants on her way out the door. We see less of her lately as she is currently immersed in internship interviews. This year, there has been an abundance of high-quality opportunities in NYC, Boston , DC and LA. Last year, my daughter interned for a top fashion designer, and this year it looks like she will intern for an urban policy organization. As you explore your interests, it is great to know that there is an army of Barnard alumnae out there in leading roles for every field of interest you may want to explore AND they are ready to give back to the next generation of bright, intelligent Barnard women. My daughter realizes she is part of this powerful and positive legacy, and as a parent I am thrilled she will have every opportunity to explore her interests.

A few weeks ago we lent our apartment for her sorority’s "retreat." There were 80 of her closest and dearest friends engaged in five hours of art projects, breaking bread, and general bonding. Of course, we cleared out as soon as the gathering began, but it was clear that the girls were friendly, respectful and happy to be there together. When we returned, it was as if it had never happened, everything clean and in place. It was really no trouble at all. I am looking forward to meeting many of the parents at the sorority mother-daughter tea that will be in the city on April 11th. Mothers, grandmothers and aunts fly in from all over to attend this yearly event.

Well, that's it for now. Looking forward to the beautiful NYC weather we are supposed to have this holiday. Good luck making the right choice for your college experience. If you choose Barnard, get ready to join the ranks of the finest, most intelligent women leaders in the world! All the best, Carolyn.

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