Hamilton College Admission Journals: Gregory Hyman

A visit to the Supreme Court, and Front Page news

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:30:28 GMT

So, we're nearing the end of the semester, and soon, you'll no longer have to put up with me littering the Hamilton website with my rambling about my time here in DC. But, for now, I still get a page all to myself to talk about whatever I want, so pay attention.

Professor Eismeier (more on him later) was wise enough to make sure our semester didn't stumble to the finish line and schduled some really exciting events to close out our time here. This past Wednesday we made the trip to the Supreme Court to hear oral arguments regarding a recent case, Salazar v. Ramah, (http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/salazar-v-ramah-navajo-chapter/) and take in the incredible sight to behold that is the Supreme Court. Like nearly any building near the Capitol, the Court is a spectacle, and adorned with archictectual flourishes that one could spend hours admiring. The outside is as grand as you would expect, while inside the courtroom, both the furnishings and sculpted walls do their best to distract spectators from the court proceedings. I nearly injured my neck craning up to look at the surrounding decorations. That's not to say I didn't appreciate the discussions taking place before me. The nine Justices were merely twenty feet away from me, questioning the counsel as to their respective arguments. The hour we spent inside the courtroom was engaging and ended all-too-quickly.

And last night, we were lucky enough to be in attendance at Professor Eismeier's retirement party at a great restaurant and bar in Dupont Circle, The Front Page. It was a great event and among others, students spanning over three decades of Professor's instruction at Hamilton were in attendance. Other guests included Professor Eismeier's family, friends local to DC, and a handful of Hamilton colleagues. Hearing some of the remarks made by family and friends, I felt very lucky to have been in the program with Professor Eismeier during his last semester at Hamilton--it only took my recognition of how many people were there who appreciated all he had done for them and the College during his tenure to realize this. The event was very well put-together by the professor's family, and even the occasional torrential downpour outside couldn't dampen spirits (it didn't hurt we got to watch the Yankees storm back from a 9-0 deficit to rain on the Red Sox parade with a 15-9 win).

But enough rain puns for now...here's to our Fearless Leader and making the most of our last week in DC.

Nearing the home stretch

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 02:30:15 GMT

So, as is usually the case, March concluded and in its wake came the beginning of April. Obvious statements aside, it also brought the realization that there are less than four weeks left in the semester and my time in the nation's capital. This was fairly surprising--sure, this semester is a couple weeks shorter than usual, but this has gone by extraordinarily quick. Add to that, I can be sure that this next month will fly by at light speed as well, considering the schedule ahead. Three of the four weekends I can look forward to visits from some friends from home, a 20-page term paper beckoning (how fun!...), a few sports games coming up, and the usual weekly activiities with the rest of the group.

At least we've begun to take advantage of the great weather down here for which we usually have to wait much longer up in Clinton. With every day in the 60s and 70s, a bunch of us in the program have taken to hitting up a nearby basketball court and getting pick-up games going, often with other folks from the neighborhood joining. It's a great way to unwind after a day at our internships and get a jump on our summer tans, as well as experience a new side of the culture the District has to offer. Granted, my jumper could use plenty of work, but it's still great to get out there four or five days a week.

My roommate Sam and I took advantage of a part of the culture more customarily associated with the city last week, too. As part of our class discussions each week, the topic of healthcare reform has come up frequently, and we managed to see the debate (or a side of it) live during a lunch break. We got word of a planned visit by Rick Santorum to the Supreme Court to voice his opinion on the building's steps. Many protesters and proponents alike had taken to the sidewalk in front of the Court days before, and were there to witness the presidential candidate's arrival and remarks. When Sam and I got there, a large crowd was surrounding Santorum, including about twenty reporters with microphones intruding on his personal space. To be honest, we couldn't really hear what he was saying owing to the number of chants that had begun once he arrived, but it was certainly a memorable experience to see him in person. After a five-minute address and comments for the media, he took off in his heavily-flanked SUV and headed back to the campaign trail.

But for now, I look ahead to my time left here and definitely hope to take advantage of all it has to offer--don't worry, I'll keep you updated.

Congratulations to those accepted to the class of 2016!

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 03:38:08 GMT

So first and foremost, congratulations to the students accepted to Hamilton College's class of 2016! As someone who has gone through the process, I know the incredible weight that must be lifted off your shoulders after being informed of your acceptance. And the even better part is the flipping of the script to come during the next month or so, in which you get to decide which school is for you, after months of schools deciding which applicants were for them. So enjoy it while you can, and feel free to make some schools sweat awaiting your decision.

Not to go overboard with the nostalgia, but this definitely brings back memories of the spring of my senior year of high school, counting down the days until college decisions came out, going over and over what I thought my chances were at each school, and generally waiting with bated breath for those fateful days. Even though I didn't end up attending, the best moment was that first acceptance, when I knew, regardless of what else may happen, there was a school that wanted me among its ranks in the fall. The feeling of relief was almost indescribable, and it helped to take the sting out of some of the decisions that didn't quite go my way later in month. But then, when all was done and dusted, I had to take the leap and choose for myself where I wished to enroll.

Of course, my parents helped with my decision--toured the schools, offered thoughts, and in the end suggested what would be the ideal fit. But in the end, and as cliched as it is, the decision was up to me, and is now up to you. Personally, after visiting Hamilton (with only ten days to spare before the decision deadline) I knew where I would matriculate come fall. I knew, of the schools between which I was choosing, how the academics were, social life, campus quality, etc, and Hamilton made it pretty clear, pretty quickly, that I would be doing myself a favor to attend.

So, whether you end up here or not (though we certainly hope you do!), I wish all you accepted students the best of luck in your decisions and congratulations on your accomplishment.

The British are coming!...and a presidential candidate sighting to boot

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 03:24:29 GMT

This past Wendesday, our fearless leader, Professor Eismeier, managed to use his connections and snag us an invite to the state welcoming ceremony of Prime Minister David Cameron of England. We woke up very, very, early but needless to say it was worth it. As you already know, a few weeks ago we visited the White House, but in a very different capacity. This event was great and pulled out all the stops--we were able to score a spot right next to the Air Force band, which entertained the crowd with a number of songs. We arrived at the South Lawn around 8 am, awaiting the President and Prime Minister's arrivals, which were scheduled for around nine. The weather couldn't have been better, and as expected, the lawn itself was immaculate.

The pair and their wives showed up right on time, and began by taking a lap around the sectioned-off part of the lawn. Led by a military escort, the two took a long time to shake hands and wave extremely presidentially, and came about ten feet away from where we were standing. I know, kind of a big deal. After a five-minute lap. they took to the podium and greeted the crowd. Obama first, who started off with a handful of well-crafted and highly-scripted jokes about March Madness and the burning of the White House in the War of 1812. Of course, the address eventually turned to some real issues facing the two ally countries, and then he handed off to Prime Minister Cameron. To no real surprise, his address was more of the same--same joke content and positive sentiments about the future of the countries' relationship. Addresses finished and properly appreciated, the four of them walked up the stairs into the White House, played off by the bands on hand. A few photo-ops later, and we were gone. Definitely a great and memorable experience--this was the first time I'd seen a president, current or former, in person and the grand circumstance and phenomenal weather ensured it to be enjoyable.

By extreme coincidence, I followed this today by seeing a current presidential candidate entirely unexpectedly. Along with a number of others from the program, I went to play some pick-up basketball in a nearby neighborhood, owing to the great weather and desire to procrastinate working on my paper. After we finished, my roommate Sam and I walked a couple blocks to our favorite falafel spot, Amsterdam Falafel, and picked up our weekly fix. I finished first, and walked outside. There the scene I encountered was intriguing, to say the least. To my left, a number of intimindating, all-black SUVs, surrounded by men in dark suits. A few of them asked for people to clear the sidewalks for a moment. A few seconds later, Newt Gingrich and his wife Callista stepped out of one of the cars, and flanked by Secret Service escorts, entered a nearby French restaturant to grab some dinner, while two Secret Service officers stood outside the door. The scene was nearly surreal--Newt waved to some of the awed onlookers with an almost goofy smile on his face, while Callista's unnaturally-shiny and silver hair did its best to steal the gazes of all those nearby. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure why Newt was in the District and not in any of the number of the states with upcoming primaries, though I suppose everyone deserves a day off.

With Newt and Callista now out of sight, we continued on our way home (of course keeping an eye out for any other presidential candidates that might pop up) and so concluded an eventful week.

Taking a break

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 02:22:19 GMT

So, here I am, back in Washington for the second half of the semester. The weather seems to have turned, and I even saw some cherry blossoms today while I was walking around downtown during lunch. Cue the hordes of tourists... But I'm looking forward to this week, with the weather set to be roughly 70 and sunny all week long. I'm going to need to figure out ways to enjoy the weather, though, while I sit inside for hours at a time taking in March Madness. I've entered a couple of brackets, which I fully expect to implode miserably in, oh, about the next three or four days.

I'm feeling refreshed after taking a load off last week as I traveled home for spring break. To be honest, I did miss the traditional Hamilton two-week-long break, but I managed. The first couple days went entirely as expected - I hibernated - but did manage to cram in an interview for a potential summer internship on Wednesday. That night, I met up with a few friends from home whom I hadn't seen in a while, always a benefit of spring break. The highlight of the week came the next day, when I picked up my friend Seiya in Manhattan (he's yet to leave for his abroad program in Japan) and off we went to Hamilton to spend a night at school. I know, how exciting, going to school for break.

But in truth, it was a great time. I was able to see plenty of people who were abroad in the fall that I hadn't seen since May, and got to spend a night in my suite from last semester. I hit up some of my favorite spots, namely getting someone to bonus me at the Diner and heading to Charlie's for breakfast on Friday morning, as well as roaming the halls of MIlbank. People were upbeat considering they were leaving for their own breaks the next day, and it was great to spend a night catching up and hanging with the crew.

But then, of course, as quickly as it came, break was gone and it was time to head back to DC. And here I am, ready to run show for the rest of the semester. Bring it on...