by Milenia James

As I was entering the fall semester of my sophomore year, I found myself asking the question: how on earth would I, as an over-caffeinated, stressed-out student practice self-care for this upcoming semester? With recruitment season coming up, a full course load, and trying to squeeze in spontaneous coffee-runs with my friends, how would I even have the time for self-care?

Would I have to frantically purchase essential oils or $9 face masks from Sephora? The answer to that is definitely not. As consumers, we are often convinced into thinking that a green-tea eye mask will help improve our mental health and overall well-being. While I do love indulging in a green-tea eye mask from time to time, I find there are various other easy, budget-friendly ways to practice self-care.

If there’s anything that I’ve learned, it’s that self-care is learning to be kind to your body and prioritizing your emotional well-being. Raw and real self-care is a power that no company can manufacture and sell. I’ve listed some of my favorite self-care tips. Feel free to use as many as you see fit.

1. The Wellness Exchange: Free Counseling services
If it wasn’t hammered into your head enough during welcome week, the free counseling services are a blessing. Whether you go in during walk-in hours or schedule an appointment, these services are a great way to discuss anything without any judgment. I find scheduling an appointment with a consistent counselor to be really helpful! Spots do fill up quickly, so make sure you schedule yours in as soon as possible! If you don’t find that you have a connection with the first therapist you meet, don’t stress. Finding your perfect fit takes time.

2. Don’t Spend as much time in Stern
I bet you didn’t see that one coming. Listen, I love Stern, but I find that when I spend great deal of time at Stern, from hanging out on the third floor of Tisch hall, or heading to classes, I can get really overwhelmed. Stern has an very competitive atmosphere and exposing yourself to that environment all the time can be draining. I find the seventh floor of Kimmel or the Blue Stripes Café to be a fun and productive place to cram for study session.

3. Stop Comparing Yourself
You’ve heard this one, and you’re going to hear it again. So what if Kevin from CorpFin got an investment banking offer from Goldman Sachs? You don’t know what Kevin’s experiences are (whether he coffee-chatted the living hell out of Goldman analysts) or if he spent every night on wallstreetoasis.com trying to prepare for finance technicals. The bottom line is that it doesn’t matter. Kevin’s success in one aspect of life does not diminish your own. You are a woman in business at one of the most selective universities in the country. You hold so much power. Your journey is unique and specific to you. While it can be intimidating hearing about how your peers got offers at top firms, know that you are on a path that no one else will ever have the chance to experience. And that is wonderful.

4. Remember your pastimes!
Is there that soul cycle class you’ve been meaning to go on? Or that cool new poke restaurant that just opened up that you’ve been dying to try? Don’t forget to once in a while to treat yourself. Recruitment can be an overwhelming, time consuming, draining process, so I urge you to once in a while to do the things that you love. This can be a great moment to ground yourself, and remind yourself why you’re working so hard in the first place. Personally, I love working out and baking (running on the treadmill and rewarding myself with a muffin after, you know the drill) and I find they allow me to release my pent up stress and anxieties into an activity I enjoy. Even taking a half an hour to yourself to watch Jane the Virgin or savor a cup of coffee can prevent you from going in brain/work overload. When you enjoy your hobby, make sure that’s the only other thing you’re doing. Savor that moment for what it is.

I guess the bottom line I’m trying to emphasize is by making sure you dedicate a little extra time to yourself during recruitment season. Remember that self-care is mostly an internal makeover, one that involves removing yourself from toxic situations and placing your needs first. Remember that it’s totally okay to take a step back from time to time to self-reflect. Best of luck during recruitment season! I hope you get your dream offer.

by Shefali Tamaskar

With spring break approaching and long commutes on trains and planes ahead, that playlist with the same ten songs you listen to every day might get a bit repetitive. One way I’ve been able to change it up and learn a little something at the same time is by listening to good podcasts. Here are some podcasts I recommend, from lifestyle to business, and everything in between.

The Moth
If you are a fan of Humans of NY, like many NYU students are, The Moth features regular people telling real stories about their lives. The Moth is recorded live all throughout the country and is reminiscent of slam poetry but in the form of storytelling, which they call StorySLAM. Each person tells their story to an audience of strangers with no notes. This podcast is perfect for those who love how storytelling can make us appreciate everyone's unique story.

SuperSoul Conversations
This podcast hosted by none other than Oprah focuses primarily on how she and her notable interviewees, from Michelle Obama to Lady Gaga, feel connected to both themselves and those around them. What is so interesting about this podcast is how Oprah is able to get renowned celebrities to talk about their vulnerabilities on the path to success. My personal favorite was the episode with social scientist Brene Brown, where they talk about how to live wholeheartedly.

• For a more scientific approach to similar life questions, also check out NPR’s Hidden Brain podcast.

Sustainability Defined
This podcast would be great for anyone passionate or just curious about what sustainability actually is. Rather than learning in an academic setting, the podcast provides an informal conversation by lighthearted experts in the field that talk about sustainability issues and solutions. For those specifically interested in the intersection of business and sustainability, the podcast features several sub-podcasts specific to just that, from Green Finance to Sustainable Beauty and Personal Care Products.
 
Recode Decode
This is a tech podcast hosted by Silicon Valley journalist Kara Swisher, where she and her guests discuss how technology, typically big tech companies, are influencing the world. Swisher is really passionate and knowledgeable about the industry and always has notable guests on to talk about interesting topics facing tech. My personal favorite was when she had on Tristan Harris, a tech ethics advocate and former Google employee, to discuss social media’s negative effects on humanity.

The Daily
Created by the New York Times journalism team, The Daily summarizes what they think is the most pressing news of the day in just 20 minutes. It’s a good middle ground between fully reading a detailed newspaper article versus only reading headlines on Twitter. With such busy lives it's hard to make time to stay engaged with what's going on around us but these short yet informative podcasts can definitely help, no matter which outlet you choose to consume news on.

• For similar length business related news, check out The Journal, produced by the Wall Street Journal.
  

 
I love podcasts because they are such an easy and convenient way to learn about whatever you are interested in. This is in no way an exhaustive list of all the good podcasts out there, and if you are a podcast connoisseur and know of other great ones, please let me know! Happy listening!

by Helen Chen

Spring break is almost upon us, but that doesn't mean it's too late to book a trip! If you're still debating whether or not to take a quick vacation out of NYC for spring break—or if you're a junior whose ISP trip just got tragically canceled—here are some great locations for a last-minute spring break:

1. Philadelphia
Plenty of fun awaits in springtime Philadelphia: Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, a waterfront boardwalk, brews at Spruce Street Harbor Park, a roller-skating rink and lodge at Blue Cross River Rink Summerfest. The city is also steeped in history, often under-appreciated. If you are a history fan, make sure you complete your trip with a tour at the Independence Hall and snap a photo in front of the Liberty Bell—no ticket required.

And of course, the most iconic food: cheesesteaks. Pat’s and Geno’s, both located in Passyunk Square, are two of the most popular. However, Philadelphia offers much more variety of food. Head to Chinatown to try out some of the most authentic places—much better than what the NYC Chinatown offers.

Transportation to Philadelphia is also easy. You can catch a train via Amtrak or a bus via Megabus, both of which drop you off at 30th Street station, or a Greyhound which stops right downtown near Reading Terminal Market.

2. Los Angeles
Explore Grand Central Market for all the fun restaurants. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hike in Griffith Park, all the way up to Griffith Observatory with its cool science exhibits. Plus, you will be amazed by the view of Hollywood Sign on one side and Downtown LA the other. Enjoy watching the beautiful sunsets; take cute pics with friends during the golden hour.

LA is the home of movies, and one of the best ways to experience the movie culture is by taking studio tours. Universal, Paramount and Warner Bros all offer visitors to learn more about the movie industry while maximizing your sensations.

And whether or not you're a shopper, you should not miss out on Beverly Hills and Rodeo
Drive. They are so iconic that you will fall in love with the charm of the stores and the people. Finally don’t forget about the beaches! Put on your favorite swimming attires and bask in the sun at Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, or Malibu.

3. Miami Beach
Known for its all-night parties, stunning beaches, and art deco architecture, Miami Beach is the perfect destination for spring breakers seeking a fun beach vacation to let loose. A wide variety of people—residents and travelers from different cultures—enjoy the shores of “America’s Riviera".

You can find the most affordable restaurants and hotels in North Miami Beach. In less than 10 miles away, there are galleries, museums, and theaters. In South Beach, you can find many high-end stores, nightclubs, and poolsides at the art deco-style hotels. South Beach is also more family-friendly. Travelers can relax on the beaches of Haulover Park or Lummus Park and even try fishing off of the South Pointe Pier.

One must-do is to window shop along Lincoln Road Mall. Besides, you cannot leave Miami Beach without some tasty small plates and great cocktails at a rooftop bar. Make sure to get a GO Miami Card before you arrive. You can buy one- to five-day cards for $81-$211, which gives you free access to many of the most popular attractions.

4. Literally WHEREVER
Have fun! Y’all deserve this after a month of hard work. And most importantly, travel with the people you love. Together, you can make anywhere a dream destination. Enjoy your spring break!

Huiwen Chen
Class: 2023
Majors: Finance and Data Science
Minor: Public Policy
I enjoy writing freely with the flow of mind and being able to share my thoughts with others at the same time. I hope to gain a voice in the school community through Content Committee and meet some interesting people.

Milenia James
Class: 2022
Majors: Finance and Marketing
Minor: Psychology
I really was interested in joining the content committee because I was looking for a way to get more involved in USWIB and I love writing!

Serena Hu
Class: 2022
Major: Economics
Minor: Business & Psychology
I joined Content Committee because I loved the community of USWIB and wanted to become more involved in the club!

Shefali Tamaskar
Class: 2023
Majors: Finance and Psychology
I’m so excited to be a part of Content Committee because I love to write and I hope to learn more about topics I’m interested in while I’m writing about them!

When I was in eighth grade, my dad said that he wanted to send me to school in India. Maybe any other kid who grew up in America like me would start screaming and crying about not wanting to go. I simply said okay, and a few months later, I was on a flight to India. I acted calm, but a part of me was scared and nervous. I used to visit India ever summer, but I couldn’t help but think: “How could a familiar place be so scary?”

I experienced a similar feeling when I was about to start college in NYU. Having lived in New Jersey for most of my life, I came to New York quite often. In fact, I can show you ten different pictures of myself in the same spots over the course of my childhood. However, looking at New York and living in New York are two very different things. Once again, I thought, “How can such a familiar place be so scary?”

One of the most nerve-wracking things when I first came to New York was using the subway. I know that this seems like a simple task, but I grew up in the suburbs all my life, and I’m also directionally challenged. A constant concern I had was that I would take the wrong train and end up in the middle of nowhere without knowing how to get back. Of course, soon enough, I found my savior: Google Maps. It tells me which line to use, where to change trains, and the subway timings. As a result, my newly acquired New York life hack is to never leave my room without my phone.   

Another nerve-wracking part about being in New York was crossing the street. Again, I know it sounds absurd, but I was genuinely shocked when I saw people crossing the road while two cars were speeding in their direction. I mean, there are pedestrian signals for a reason! Soon enough, I realized that I can sometimes cross a street even if there is a stop signal, like when there are no cars on the other side. At least, as long as my dad doesn’t find out.

There are many things about living in New York that sound easy when you hear them, but are quite nerve-wracking when you experience them for the first time. It has only been a few months since I’ve lived in the city, but each day is a new experience. Slowly, I can feel myself getting used to life in the city and acquiring some of the habits of the people here. After all, we live and we learn, right?

by Katie Leung

If you're new to the scene, Broadway shows may seem like a hobby only for Tisch students (and a number of nerdy Sternies), but it doesn’t have to be! Aside from the famous names, such as Phantom of the Opera and Lion King, there are actually a wide range of performances each season that appeal to a variety of topics. There's bound to be a show that speaks to you; it’s only a matter of whether you take the time to learn about them. Let us delve into a few shows that may convert you into a regular Broadway-goer!

“Insanely-Good-But-Insanely-Expensive” Shows:
 
Hadestown
Having won 8 Tony awards, including Best Musical, Hadestown has seen rave reviews from critics and theatre-goers alike. The musical creatively retells a Greek myth surrounding the tales of Orpheus and Eurydice as well as Hades and Persephone. Against the backdrop of an industrialized Underworld, Hadestown tells a story that illuminates a time of uncertainty with the brightness of hope. Paired with a haunting score inspired by New Orleans jazz and a brilliant, immersive set design, Hadestown will definitely not disappoint.
 
Moulin Rouge
Characterized by its crimson red set design and its famous “Lady Marmalade” show-stopper, Moulin Rouge is a Broadway adaptation of the 2001 film. At the Al Hirschfeld Theatre every night, audiences are treated to the signature elephant that appears in the movie in addition to the iconic Parisian windmill. The flashy musical revolves around the story of a young composer and the star actress of the Moulin Rouge cabaret. If the mysterious plot is not enough to convince you, you will be excited to know that the show is packed with songs from Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and other familiar pop stars.
 

“Catch-Them-Before-They-Close” Shows:
 
Waitress
One of my personal favorites, Waitress opened in 2016 and is based on the 2007 movie of the same name. Set in the intimate setting of a diner in the south, the musical witnesses the unraveling life of a young waitress who finds herself stuck in an abusive marriage. With music written by Sara Bareilles, who penned the hit pop song “Brave,” audiences hold their breaths every night during the emotional 11 o’clock number "She Used to Be Mine." Packed with laughter and tears, Waitress tops it all off with the scent of fresh-baked pie in the theatre’s lobby every night.
 
Oklahoma!
You may be interested to know that one of the show’s leads, Ali Stroker, is the first Broadway actress in a wheelchair to win a Tony award. Not enough for you? Well, Stroker also happens to be an alum of our very own NYU Tisch School. This Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, which first played in 1943, has gotten a fresh, 21st century revival. Within the unique, oval-shaped theatre features the story of violence and lawlessness set on the grounds of southern farm life. If you are looking forward to an unusual night on Broadway, be sure to grab a seat at the Circle In The Square Theatre soon!

by Dharaa Rathi

To all freshmen and sophomores (and juniors and seniors), this article is here to dispel a few career-related rumors that float around at Stern, to help you have a better college experience.

1. "If you study abroad you won't get an offer, or it'll be much harder for you to get an offer."

Okay, so if you read my previous article, you’re probably thinking that I’m biased towards studying abroad, and therefore, this opinion may not count. But let me provide you with some credibility: every one of my friends who studied abroad, whether for a semester, a year, or more (it happens more than you think!), has been successful in whatever their endeavors are, professionally or academically. Whether it was about securing a diversity program banking offer, creating a network at top consulting firms, or finding an amazing job in any other industry (we’ll get back to this point), they were able to do it!

Still don’t believe me? I agree, a group of my friends is probably not the best sample size. However, here is how you can plan your study abroad experience out so you can travel for a semester stress-free.

• Talk to your advisors! They can help you figure out what requirements you have, and what study abroad locations can help you meet them, so you don’t have to worry.
• Go early, or late! If you’re worried about recruiting and being on campus for interviews, plan your study abroad so that you’re in NYC during those times. For example, lots of Stern students go abroad their sophomore fall or junior spring. 
• Keep pursuing your goals! Just because you’re studying abroad doesn’t mean your life is on hold. If you’re worried about not knowing enough, reach out to Stern alumni to ask about their experiences! LinkedIn is a great tool to do this. Don’t limit yourself to just banking and consulting. So many Stern alumni are in so many different industries with amazing jobs. You don’t know what you don’t know, so try to learn as much as you can in a low-stress environment by setting up calls while you’re abroad.
  
  

Plus, talking about study abroad is a great way to bond with interviewers and bring up your open mind and flexibility (two of the most desired candidate qualities).


2. "Banking and consulting are the safest, best job options for Stern graduates."

Reminder: banks and consulting firms all work with thousands of companies in different industries, and those companies also have internships! From CPG companies like Unilever to tech companies like Google, your opportunities are wide open. Consulting and banking jobs are amazing chances, and can be incredible learning experiences, but are by no means the only way to be successful. 

• If you’re concerned about pay, many industries offer competitive pay, so don’t rule them out.
• If you’re concerned about prestige, the most important thing on your resume is the skills you’re able to convey, and that is not always dependent on the brand name of the firm. Moreover, being experienced in an industry that you want to grow your career in will be just as prestigious as being experienced across many industries like in consulting and banking.
• Don’t ever feel pressured to choose these careers, but don’t be afraid if you do. Do what you want—and you’ll be so much happier for it.

3. "Everyone knows what they want to do with their careers, and have known since they were freshmen."

There is nothing more false than this statement. Ask anyone, at any age, and they will tell you that they are still figuring their future out. You are going to change so much in college and after you graduate (how could you not, with all these new experiences), and you have no idea how those changes will affect your goals. The best way to feel like you’re not falling behind is to take every change as a learning experience.

Take time to learn about all the opportunities available to you. Read the news. Skim job boards. Take new classes. Again, you don’t know what you don’t know, and you never want to miss out on finding a new passion. Step out of your comfort zone, and I guarantee you, you’ll be so much more secure in your goals when the time comes to find a job.

On top of that, don’t assume everyone else is ahead. The one thing I’ve learned over and over throughout college is that even the most seemingly confident people face the same fears about being successful, and no one knows how to truly define success. So if I can leave you with one lesson, just remember that success means your own happiness, and no one else's.

Everyone has those days, weeks, even months when it feels like nothing’s working for them. They lack motivation, inspiration, and just feel stuck. As college students, we have so many things on our mind and it’s easy to get completely overwhelmed by all of it. However, there are a few habits that I’ve picked up in order to help myself get out of these funks.

1. Listen to music and DANCE! 
I love listening to new albums and artists when I feel stuck because it allows me to think of things in a different way and have a new creative anchor. Dancing releases endorphins, which will immediately make you happier and more motivated, especially if you’ve been spending your whole day sitting at a desk doing work.

2. Spend time with close friends.
Just being around positive, uplifting people who genuinely care about you will immediately make you more excited and happy to work! Most of the time it just takes a nice conversation with a good friend to you into a better frame of mind and allow you to get back into the groove of things.

3. Rethink your sleep schedule.
When we have many tasks to manage, we often completely mess up our sleep schedule. However, this affects our performance during the day and makes us forgetful, unmotivated, and tired. If you’re feeling stuck, fixing your sleep schedule will immediately make you more positive, attentive, and refreshed during the day!

4. Move around 27 items.
This is one of my favorite tips—it is a Feng Shui teaching and it actually works! Moving physical items around you allows you to connect with your surroundings and symbolically press the reset button. Changing your external environment is a really effective way to start looking at things from a fresh perspective.

When I started college at NYU, I knew I was going to have an interesting experience. I mean, I was going to live in the city for the first time after having grown up in the suburbs all my life! Along with the fact that I’d be living with three strangers and experiencing college classes, I had a handful of new experiences waiting in the palm of my hand. Little did I know that I was about to have a fourth stranger come into my life.

See, when I was young, I never had any pets. Well, the fish I overfed when I was eight doesn’t really count. The reason that I never had any pets as a child was because my mom dislikes animals. I remember asking my mom if we could get a dog when I was eight and all she said was, “You’re going to have to pick up the poop.” Eight-year-old me was horrified and never asked her again.

Since I never really grew up around animals, I’ve always felt awkward around them. So, you can imagine my hesitation when my roommate said she wanted to ask NYU for permission to let her dog, Bella, stay with us. I wasn’t against the idea, but I didn’t really know what to expect. I mean, I was going to be living with an animal for the first time in my life! If I’m being honest, my first thought was, Mom is going to flip.

When the day of Bella’s arrival finally came, my roommate had already left for class by the time I got back to our room. I was meeting Bella for the first time alone. When I walked into my room, I froze for a few seconds as I soon as realized she was huge. Slowly, she came closer to sniff me. Then, she turned around and promptly went back to lying on her dog bed. That was the moment I knew that Bella was an angel.

While it may seem like I’m simply talking about my experience with a dog, there’s more to this story than that. This was a way that I put myself outside of my comfort zone, which is something I wanted to push myself to do more once I started college. It’s also about adjustment. Throughout life, we will have to work and get along with different people. This means adjusting to their habits and making compromises, especially if you’re living with that person. Although I’m sure my journey with animals was amusing, there is still something important I forgot to mention: my mom still doesn’t know.

Photo Credits: Sonia Butt