Spilt Milk

As a student at Tulane University, you are required to complete two tiers of public service: the first as an underclassman, and the second as an upperclassman. During the fall semester of my freshman year I had a great experience augmenting my French minor by tutoring elementary school students at Lycée Francais. My French improved vastly as I communicated with the students, and professors who were almost entirely from France. It was an experience I often drew upon during my summer abroad. This fall, I was fortunate enough to find a service internship with MySpiltMilk.com, which closely aligned with my Communication and English majors and has shaped my post-grad ambitions.

MySpiltMilk.com is a New Orleanian music and culture blog that receives over 5000 visitors a week. Topics for articles range from Po Boy Fest to hot new Christmas albums. Initially, I would write about whatever band, event, or topic that was sent my way. Over time though, I managed to find my niche as an interviewer and reviewer of indie, hip-hop, and EDM acts.

An important part of the process was learning how to tell stories. I am constantly striving to find new music, so I peruse music blogs that occasionally have small features and interviews with artists. These write-ups are uninspired transcriptions of the conversation between the interviewer and the interviewee. All of the questions are predetermined, and as such, the pieces lack depth, a human dimension. At MSM I am pushed to find the story, think critically, and draw conclusions. It is a challenging but rewarding task. Ideally, I sit down with an artist well before their set or right after, so I have their full attention and can easily contextualize our conversation. However, due to issues with the phone chain that stretches from the PR person to the manager to the artist, interviews are often delayed, rescheduled, or just plain fall through. When that happens, I try to talk to the people who work behind the scenes at venues or production companies. I’ve gotten a lot of insight about the music industry from random personnel backstage while I’m waiting for an artist to meet with me. In the end, these conversations have been some of the most enlightening glimpses into the industry that I have gotten, and paired with my positive experience at MSM, I've realized what I want to do after graduation.

A few days ago I had the opportunity to renew my internship and did so without hesitation. As I look toward the future at MSM, I also reflect on all I have learned. Here are a few photos and snippets from pieces I've done over the past few months:

“After waiting over an hour to be taken backstage to interview Adventure Club, I received a text from someone who introduced himself only as “Shaggy.” He told me to meet him to right of the stage if I wanted a chance to speak with the Canadian producers. I pushed through an eclectic, neon crowd and caught the eye of a man with a thick beard and an electric blue hat with the brim bent up. Shaggy waved me in and we hustled to the back of The Howlin Wolf. I was then introduced to Leighton James and Christian Srigley, the technically gifted producers that make up Adventure Club.”

“With metaphors evoking the title —The Water(s)—interlacing the mixtape, Mick Jenkins forces listeners to ponder his intricate wordplay, delivery, and effect rappers can have on an audience. Floating lines that champion double cups of water and chalices of ginger ale instead of lean and Patron subtly clear a listener’s ears of the poison that Jenkins says is everywhere, especially the news and media. Many hip-hop heads are claiming Jenkins work is an instant classic, and after one listen of the Alabama turned Chiacgo rapper’s masterpiece, I could see why.”

“WE LOVE NEW ORLEANS! Dominic Lalli of Big Gigantic screamed at the Mad Decent Block Party last Friday, and all the audience could do was roar back. The feeling was mutual. Though A$AP Ferg got mosh pits raging and girls twerking, and RL Grime unleashed his signature 808-infused trap sounds, Big Gigantic stole the show. After releasing an EP five months ago to little fanfare, they were the act I’d expected the least out of. However, they easily came up with the best daytime set as they made their saxophone-fueled dance music feel live and impulsive."

-Justin Picard / Pico de Gallo / Pics

Pico Picks: Best Music Venues in New Orleans

This is the first installation in my series on New Orleans’ music scene. When you go to see a show, oftentimes the venue is a crucial part of the experience – nearly as important as the musicians themselves. Here I list a few of my favorite venues in New Orleans, all of which are unique in their own ways.

1. One Eyed Jacks

I’ve seen acts ranging from Maps and Atlases to Odesza at this eclectic venue on Toulouse Street. The low-key atmosphere and the layout are definite strong points – you walk in to a medium-sized bar area that could very well standalone, but push to the back and climb a dozen red-velvet steps and suddenly you’re in an expansive, downwards slanting room with the stage at the bottom. It’s very unique in this regard, and gives off the vibes of an underground event. 

Best show I’ve seen here: G-Eazy.

2. The Republic

This is an extremely popular venue for EDM acts (The Chainsmokers, Disclosure, etc.). However, it also taps into the local culture with regular bounce and trap nights which feature artists like Big Freedia and Kid Kamillion. The rectangular layout provides optimal visibility, and there’s an upper deck for a more laidback experience. 

Best: Chromeo. 

3. Mardi Gras World

Although Mardi Gras World’s primary function is to manufacture floats for Mardi Gras krewes, it also serves as an expansive venue for festivals including BUKU Fest and Mad Decent’s Block Party. With stages set up amidst the floats and props in a massive warehouse, and others on the bank of the Mississippi, this is truly a one of a kind New Orleans venue. 

Best: Carnage, Chance the Rapper.

4. Tipitina's

Tip's is an essential New Orleans venue. It has hosted an array of great musicians including Dr. John, Pearl Jam, Willie Nelson, James Brown and more. Rolling Stone magazine lists it as one of the “Top 10 Big Rooms [Venues]” in the country. I’ve always been impressed by the diversity of the crowds at this venue, there are young and old folks alike. 

Best: Walk the Moon and The Mowglis.

-Justin Picard / Pico de Gallo / Pics

Another update from Jacob in Cuba!

Hello all,

I am still safe and sound in Cuba!  This is the part of the semester where the fun takes a back seat to academics.  This past week I had three papers, two tests, and one presentation where I taught the entire class period, just over two hours, entirely in Spanish.  I also finished a Cuba song/rap in Spanish that has been in the works for a few weeks.  Even though I may have lost a few hours of sleep, I am happy to have all of those things out of the way.  Now, I just have my final papers for all my classes, but they shouldn’t be too difficult.  Even when going on “Monk Mode”, as my mom likes to call it, I still managed to see/do some incredible things.

            A few days ago, I had my first dream IN SPANISH!!! It was not an incredibly extraordinary dream, but it meant a lot to me.  I usually don’t remember audio when I dream, so it was even more exciting to have audio in Spanish.  The dream, if you are curious, was basically exploring how we could have gotten back to the other side of the island if our plane was delayed even more coming back from Baracoa.  We ended up hitchhiking and riding in the back of banana trucks, but I don’t remember if we ever made it all the way back to Havana.

            That day, we had a private tour of the Cuban medical school in Havana.  The campus was more a palace than a school, and we learned that it was originally a training facility for monks.  After the tour, they let us sit in on a presentation about Ebola, and we watched a short documentary on a treatment facility.  Plastic sheets line the walls and floors of the entire building, the doctors and nurses were basically wearing hazmat suits, and the patients are not even allowed to contact each other.  They also mentioned their efforts to prevent the social/emotional alienation of the patients, which I think is really important.

            The following day, I had a few more firsts in Cuba.  I called and ordered my first pizza from one of the only delivery places in the area, and I also won my first game of dominos that same day.  There is a group of guys in my neighborhood who always play dominos on a corner nearby, and they have been showing me tips and tricks over the past few weeks.  I played with them for about an hour and only won once, but I was also able to follow the conversation and make some jokes.  I can feel my Spanish getting better, and I am so excited to spend another semester practicing and learning in Chile. 

            Weird sightings of the week:
-A man carrying a plastic whiffle ball bat in one hand, and a huge machete in the other.
-A guy waiting at the bus stop, casually holding his pet FALCON!

-A woman over 50 years old wearing a graphic tee with the words “I brought sexy back”

-A hilarious “fast-food” place called SuperBurger.  They used a modified logo from Burger King, the exact menu photos from McDonalds, and food that did not resemble either chain.  My first Cuban fast-food experience! 

            I also learned that my Myers-Briggs type (a test to measure physiological preferences in how people perceive the world around them and make decisions) is ISFJ, which is pretty cool because apparently that is the same type as Mother Teresa.  We have a girl in our group who LOVES to talk to people and figure out their type, so she analyzed me when we were talking one evening. 

            I met two important people today: first, I met a Cuban anesthesiologist who really wants to learn English.  I offered to teach him English for free if he finds a way for me to shadow him at work.  We exchanged contact info, so we’ll see what happens with that.  I also got the business card of one of the best conga players in Havana, so I am going to call him on Monday and try to set something up.         
               Last but not least, I went to a Rumba dance lesson last Wednesday.  We learned all about the different types of Rumba, the religious and musical history, and even some of the dance moves.  It turns out Rumba dancing is right up my alley – it’s all in the knees, shoulders and elbows!

As always, I miss and love you all.

bss (just learned the texting shorthand for besos),

Jacobo

Meet the Admissions Interns!

Meet the Admissions Interns!

Ever wonder who's on the other side of those phone calls, emails, and instant messages that you send? Meet the admissions interns, 21 current students, who work the front desk at Tulane. Each intern will tell you something about themselves, their favorite things about Tulane, and most importantly, advice for future Tulane students. Check us out!

1. Sean Saxon

Sean giving a tour to President Fitts!

Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA (aka the Big Raggedy)
Grade: Senior
Majors: Double majoring in Neuroscience and Spanish
Favorite thing about Tulane: My favorite thing about Tulane has been meeting students from all over the country here in New Orleans. Being from Louisiana it has been so much fun getting to share our rich culture (and  delicious food!) with my friends from out of state, all the while meeting people from places I want to visit! 
Favorite thing about working at the Admissions office: Getting to talk to future students about just how great this place is
Favorite restaurant or meal in New Orleans: Hérbsaint New Orleans

Appetizer: Gnocchi with Lamb Bolognese and Mint Gremolata

Entreé: Muscovy Duck Leg Confit with Dirty Rice and Citrus Gastrique

Dessert: Banana Brown Butter Tart with Fleur de Sel Caramel

What I'm involved in on campus: Vice President (Academic Affairs), Student Government, Community Service Exec Board (CACTUS), Greek Life (Phi Gamma Delta), Honor Board, GWA
What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: I wish I would have owned a pair of Chaco’s! 

2. Becca Greaves

Playing Annabel Lee in the Tulane play "Still Life with Iris"

Hometown: Boston, MA
Grade: Senior
Major: I double major in Theatre and English
Favorite part of Tulane: My favorite part of Tulane is how passionate people are about Tulane and New Orleans
Favorite part about working at the Admissions Office: My favorite part about being an intern is the company :) 
Favorite restaurant and meal in New Orleans: My favorite meal is Panang Curry from Thai Mint
What I'm involved in on campus: I'm involved with Theatre on campus and professionally in the city, various performing arts societies, and service in the community through the arts
 What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: I wish I had known that life would be a lot easier with a bike

3. Barry Rubenstein

Hanging out at Mardi Gras World!

Hometown: Highland Park, IL
Grade: Sophomore
Major: Majoring in finance and management, minoring in social innovation/social entrepreneurship
Favorite part of Tulane: The countless opportunities and experiences that one is exposed to as a student
Favorite part about working at the Admissions Office: Getting to interact with prospective parents and students, on a daily basis. I can share my love of Tulane and New Orleans with other people.
Favorite restaurant and meal in New Orleans: Clooney's Choice sandwich from Milk Bar
What I'm involved in on campus: GWA, CACTUS Executive Board, Academic Affairs Committee, TA, Admissions intern, Crawfest board member, Greek life, Greenie Camp Orientation leader
 What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: As a freshman, I wish I knew how to manage my own schedule a little better. I was used to always being told when assignments were due. College teaches you (very quickly) how to be an independent and responsible person. I am happy that I was taught to be this type of person, because it has helped me throughout life.

4. Erica Lipoff

Eating some yummy food at Crawfest!

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Grade: Senior
Major: Spanish and Art History majors/ Art History minor (Pre-Law)
Favorite part of Tulane​: The size! The campus is accessible and I always see friends on my way to class, but Tulane is just big enough that I have a sense of anonymity as well.
Favorite thing about working at the Admission Office: Working in the Office of Undergraduate Admission, I have the opportunity to interface with every kind of person on a daily basis. Every day, there is a new, exciting challenge!
Favorite restaurant or meal in New Orleans: My friends and I love going to Bacchanal in the Bywater. Sitting in the backyard under the Christmas lights, we never fail to enjoy some high quality food and some high quality music.
What I'm involved in on campus: I am a recipient of the Community Service Scholarship, so I have had the opportunity to engage with the New Orleans community in a variety of ways during my time at Tulane. Currently, I am the Coordinator for Project Raintree, a mentorship program for girls in between foster care. I bring a group of volunteers to the residential facility weekly for activities ranging from conversations about domestic violence to spa & movie nights. I am also an Intensive Intern at Orleans Public Defenders, where I am currently working on a bond reduction advocacy project. Ultimately, I aim to show judges why pre-trial incarceration in Orleans Parish is debilitating. 

What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: I wish I had known about the Summer Study Abroad programs that Tulane offers sooner! Now that I am in my last year at Tulane, I have been able to spend one summer in Cuba and another in Costa Rica through the Stone Center for Latin American Studies.

5. Trey Holmes

On a swamp tour!

Hometown: Overland Park, KS
Grade: Junior
Major: Majoring in Public Health and minoring in Business
Favorite part of Tulane: I love being in the South and meeting students from all over the country. I now have free places to stay in almost every large city in the country!
Favorite part about working at the Admissions Office: Spending time with the other interns! We are all so excited and eager to help prospective students and families in every way we can but also get along really well in and out of the office.
Favorite restaurant and meal in New Orleans: One of my favorite meals (too many to choose one): 25 cent oysters at the Blind Pelican during happy hour!
What I'm involved in on campus: CACTUS (Vice Chair of Events), USG (Executive Vice President), Community Service Scholars, Public Health USG (Junior Rep), Volunteer at Children's Hospital
 What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: I wish I would have known sooner on that my professors are my friends! It is never too early to get connected with Tulane, the faculty and administrators.

6. Morgan Laurent

Rocking the Tulane ring!

Hometown: Covington, LA
Grade: Senior
Major: Neuroscience, pre-med track
Favorite part of Tulane: My favorite thing about Tulane is the nurturing environment here. From professors to faculty members, I have always felt part of a community that feels like family.
Favorite part about working at the Admissions Office:  I absolutely love the opportunity to converse with families and students from around the country. Nothing makes my day more than the chance to talk to others about this wonderful school that I love so much!
Favorite restaurant and meal in New Orleans: Though it isn't necessarily a healthy staple to anyone's diet, the pumpkin spice bread pudding that Superior Seafood offers every fall is to die for!
What I'm involved in on campus:  On campus: Research student at Tulane University School of Medicine in the Neuroscience department, Honor Board Chairman, CPS Advisory board, greek life, Nu Rho Psi honor society, Mortar Boar, GWA (in the past on campus, I have been involved in: Best Buddies Club, Outreach Tulane, Orientation Coordinator, Kappa Alpha Theta Recruitment Director, Kappa Alpha Theta Member Development Committee). Off campus: Public service internship with Touro Infirmary, Staff Volunteer at the Louisiana Youth Seminar
 What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: As a freshman, I wish I would have known about the plethora of great study spots that are right off campus. From Manhattan Jack on Pyrtania to Mojo Coffee on Freret, it's nice to get off campus every once in a while for a good study session!

7. Sean Saunders

Having a blast at Mardi Gras!

Hometown: Blue Bell, PA
Grade: Senior
Major: Double majoring in Legal Studies in Business and Neuroscience
Favorite part of Tulane: How everyone can show up and make the experience completely unique, and completely their own, but that every one of those experiences creates an intense loyalty to Tulane and the Tulane community.
Favorite part about working at the Admissions Office: My favorite part of being an intern is the call, or email, or conversation when I have something in common with the person calling (hometown/interests/etc.) and instantly the person on the other end of the line feels that much more comfortable and enthusiastic. Those conversations really make an impact on both me and whoever asks the question because it reminds me why I felt comfortable 1,200 miles away from home and why students would want to travel that distance too.
Favorite restaurant and meal in New Orleans: The best meal in New Orleans is any meal at Domenica on Baronne St. The pizzas are phenomenal, but I could go to the gravel with their cauliflower in one hand and the squid ink tagliolini in the other. That said, I find it hard to go wrong on any meal in this city.
What I'm involved in on campus:  In addition to interning in the admission office, I am the president of Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji), a member of the Green Wave Ambassadors (as a tour guide), and over the years I have also been on a variety of club sports and had jobs both on and off-campus.
 What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: I wish I had known that once I signed up for certain clubs' email lists, I would still receive emails four years later without ever attending a meeting or going to a practice. Granted, I still highly recommend joining as many clubs and organizations, while still finding time to explore all that New Orleans has to offer in cuisine and activities.

8. Emma Discher

Hanging out at the Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans!

Hometown: Wheaton, Illinois
Grade: Junior
Major: Communications and Political Science
Favorite part of Tulane​: My favorite thing about Tulane is hands down the people. I've found that the community here tends to be very well-rounded and caring.
Favorite thing about working at the Admission Office: I love helping prospective students find their place here. It's so easy to share my love for this school and there's nothing better than when that resonates with a prospective student.
Favorite restaurant or meal in New Orleans: This is the most difficult question for me to be asked. My favorite meal is crawfish on The Fly, a local park on the river. My favorite restaurant is Cowbell! They have the most amazing burgers, fries and mac n cheese.
What I'm involved in on campus: Outside of being an intern in the Admission Office and a Green Wave Ambassador, I am also involved in a variety of groups at Tulane and in New Orleans. I am an officer in my sorority, the training coordinator and former News Editor of The Hullabaloo, our student newspaper, and a radio DJ at WTUL, our student radio station. I also work in the computer lab of Tulane's business school and at an art gallery downtown.
What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: I really wish I'd known just how quickly everything would go. It feels like yesterday I was a freshman living in Sharp and tomorrow I'll be graduating. Take advantage of every opportunity on and off campus!

9. Patrick Wroe

Trying to blend in with the floats at Mardi Gras World!

Hometown: Austin, TX
Grade: Junior
Major: Marketing and Finance
Favorite part of Tulane​: The university helps students get involved in the New Orleans community, whether it be through one of our awesome campus service organizations or interning at a local non-profit. Although we have much more room for the student body's engagement in the city to grow, we have countless dedicated students determined to make a lasting and sustainable difference during their time here. And Cheese Day at our dining hall, where the students are served a plethora of cheese and crackers on a huge table with a fancy white cloth.  So basically two favorite things are service and Cheese Day.
Favorite thing about working at the Admission Office: My favorite part about being an intern is that I get paid to talk about and market this school to prospective students and parents. I love conversing with families, helping them through the application process and easing their worries. We get a lot of stressed parents! Also, I get paid to hang out with twenty of my friends, which is not bad at all.
Favorite restaurant or meal in New Orleans: I've only been to this restaurant once, but the best meal I have ever had was at Upperline Restaurant. My mom's best friend and her family came in town and took me out to dinner there.  It was a great dinner with some great conversation! 
What I'm involved in on campus: Green Wave Ambassadors, AKPsi Business Fraternity, New Student Orientation, Outreach Tulane, Intern at CASA New Orleans, APO Service Fraternity.
What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: Go to as many organization meetings as possible your first few weeks here, and then narrow down which organizations you really want to be part of.  Being involved on campus has been by far the most rewarding aspect of Tulane.  I have made my closest friends and gained my most valuable leadership experience through the student organizations I'm part of.

10. Becca Andrasko

Hanging out at Jazzfest!

Hometown: Bethesda, MD

Grade: Senior

Major: Double major in International Relations and International Development

Favorite part of Tulane​: I LOVE being around so many engaging, interesting, driven people!  My classes are great because there are so many different opinions that all have a place, and I think that Tulane is pretty unique in hosting such a diverse student body. 

Favorite thing about working at the Admission Office: I'm really a big fan of all of the other interns!  It's also pretty fun to rep the school that I love, and talking about Tulane every day makes me love Tulane even more.

Favorite restaurant or meal in New Orleans: I'm a vegetarian and completely in love with Vietnamese food, especially pho, so I looooove Ba Chi Canteen and Magasin's giant bowls of hot veggie pho.  Check out the (universally delicious) menu at Magasin here: http://www.magasincafe.com/.  I'm really dying to try Upperline restaurant because it's apparently a really cool blend between a quirky museum inside a house and a fine dining restaurant.  Check out the menu here: http://www.upperline.com/index.php/special-dinners/reveillon2010/.    

What I'm involved in on campus: Green Wave Ambassador tour guide, Chi Omega sorority, WTUL Radio Station Jazz DJ, Honors thesis, Dancing Grounds dance studio 

What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: Since sophomore year, I've picked some new skill to learn or activity to do each season, just as a way to motivate myself to learn outside of my coursework.  I've done some cool stuff outside of class -- I ran a half marathon after not running at all, tried to start a business (that did ultimately fail), and right now I'm really working on my dancing skills by taking classes at a super cool dance studio.  I just wish I'd started this habit sooner!  I also would recommend that everyone take one class every semester that's just for fun and just for you. 

11. Chris Halbohn

Having fun on a swamp tour!

Hometown: Levittown, NY

Grade: Senior

Major: History and Environmental Studies with a French minor

Favorite part of Tulane​: Tulane's continued commitment to the city of New Orleans and all the benefits students receive from going to school in such a vibrant city!

Favorite thing about working at the Admission Office: Connecting with students and parents from around the world and sharing why it is I love Tulane so much!

Favorite restaurant or meal in New Orleans: I love the Vietnamese cuisine ever-present in this city. I enjoy the Banh-Mi (sandwiches) and pho from Pho Bistreaux on South Carrollton! 

What I'm involved in on campus: Associated Student Body President, Social Media Intern in Tulane's Office of Undergraduate Admission, LA/SPCA dog care volunteer. 

What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: There's not a single thing I wish I'd known as a freshman. Every single experience, good or bad, from freshm​an year until now has made me into the Tulanian I am today. 

12. Summer Lawson

Eating her favorite meal at Chill Out Cafe!

Hometown: Forest Knolls, CA (outside San Francisco)

Grade: Sophomore

Major: Anthropology major with a minor in Gender Studies

Favorite part of Tulane​: I have never felt more welcomed by so many friendly people. Everyone is super enthused to be part of the Tulane community and makes an effort to get to know people and be involved in a bunch of different things. That being said, Tulane and New Orleans has so much stuff always going on that it is easy to stay busy and feel part of something unique.

Favorite thing about working at the Admission Office: Tulane has so many incredible things to offer and I love being able to help students realize that Tulane is the school for them. I also understand that the college application process can be very intimidating and being able to answer students' questions and make the process less stressful in any way is really rewarding.

Favorite restaurant or meal in New Orleans: Chill Out Café (American breakfast served all day and Thai cuisine), my favorite meal is Pad Thai with a side of bacon. Being on Maple Street, it is a short walk from campus and they also deliver on couchster!

What I'm involved in on campus: Other than being an intern in the Admission Office, I am a Green Wave Ambassador, a swim instructor for Swim 4 Success (a volunteer-based club that offers swim lessons to local children of low income families), play for the Ultimate Frisbee Club team, am a member of SURJ (Students United for Reproductive Justice) and am a sister of the Delta Chapter of Phi Mu. I am also a resident of Howard Tilton Memorial Library during finals :)

What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: I wish I took people more seriously when they said you can wear a sundress everyday of winter, not bringing all my jackets and sweaters would have saved me a lot of room!

13. Adam Kline

With the 22nd intern, Kipper!

Hometown: Lexington, KY

Grade: Junior

Major: Public health minor, Spanish, pre-med

Favorite part of Tulane​: Potentially having something to do immediately as I get out of class, nights I don't have work, in the morning, afternoon, every other time of day, etc

Favorite thing about working at the Admission Office: Helping people find things to do around the city.

Favorite restaurant or meal in New Orleans: Willy Mae's Scotch House fried chicken with fried okra greens side

What I'm involved in on campus: Campus: service dog training, work study job tutoring elementary schoolers, help oversee community service council, international society, ESL conversation partner program, zeta psi fraternity. Off campus: see music, eat food, explore. 

What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: Go to as many festivals as possible. It seems like you have a while but you only have 4 chances for each one. 

14. Piper Browne

Belting out some Beyonce at a Green Envy acapella concert!

Hometown: Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA

Grade: Senior

Major: Sociology, minors in Music and French

Favorite part of Tulane​: 1) The fact that it's in New Orleans...duh. 2) The size! Small enough where I wave to people all over as I walk through campus and big enough where I meet new people every day.

Favorite thing about working at the Admission Office: Helping prospective/admitted students make the best decision of their lives. 

Favorite restaurant or meal in New Orleans: Wow, this is tough. Instead of answering this impossible question, I will say that I am pretty obsessed with Jimmy Johns and am currently in a challenge with myself to try every sandwich. 

What I'm involved in on campus: Green Envy A Cappella (president), Green Wave Ambassadors (president), Admission Intern, Orientation Team Leader, student worker for Tulane Athletics Fund, Singer in a funk band CakeWalk, Pi Beta Phi sorority

What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: All of the crazy cool classes that are offered so I could have taken more!

15. Justin Picard

Heading out to a concert downtown!

Hometown: Ridgefield, CT

Grade: Junior

Major: Communication, English (Creative Writing concentration)

Favorite part of Tulane​: My favorite thing about Tulane is the supportive community both in and out of the classroom. I also love the wide expanses of green space that foster sport and picnics alike.

Favorite thing about working at the Admission Office: I find it extraordinarily exciting to work in such a diverse workplace - I'm constantly meeting people of all ages and nationalities. 

Favorite restaurant or meal in New Orleans: Sunday brunch at Dante's Kitchen is incredible, I always order the steak and eggs.

What I'm involved in on campus: I'm involved in: Tulane University Campus Programming (Concerts and Recreation Committees); Greek Life; Green Bull Marketing Club; and I'm a: Journalist at MySpiltMilk.com; Undergraduate Admission Social Media Intern; Secretary in the Tulane English Department; DJ for GrandLove.

What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: I wish I'd known that greek life is nothing to be afraid of, and that meeting people through a fraternity is just as valuable as any other club or organization.

16. Taylor Feingold

Practicing acrobatic skills on one of the oak trees on campus!

Hometown: Dix Hills, NY

Grade: Junior

Major: Psychology and Digital Media Production

Favorite part of Tulane​: Being a part of the New Orleans community through our service learning program

Favorite thing about working at the Admission Office: Meeting new people and making new friends every day!!

Favorite restaurant or meal in New Orleans: New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood Co. - Hickory Bacon Cheeseburger

What I'm involved in on campus: On campus I'm involved in Greek Life, Tulane Flag Football Intramural Scorekeeping, Newcomb Scholars, Upward Bound, and I'm also the circus freak of Tulane - you might find me hanging upside down on my aerial silks on the academic quad!

What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: I wish I knew that I'd never want to leave!! I also wish that I knew that umbrellas are essential. I showed up without one - bad move.

17. Emma Culotta

A successful Mardi Gras!

Hometown: Houston, TX

Grade: Senior

Major: Finance major, French minor

Favorite part of Tulane​: My favorite thing about Tulane is that I really feel at home when I'm here. The student body is made up of so many cool and friendly people that I'm constantly making new friends, even as a senior! 

Favorite thing about working at the Admission Office: My favorite thing about being an intern is bonding with my coworkers over potluck dinners and tubing trips!

Favorite restaurant or meal in New Orleans: Umm...I was going to say a fancy restaurant like Bayona or Cochon, but who am I kidding? Dat Dog - white trash fries + Guinness Dog w/ chili and cheese. Sometimes I spice it up with Alligator Sausage.

What I'm involved in on campus: Tulane Admission Intern, Green Wave Ambassador, Women's Ultimate Frisbee, Kappa Alpha Theta, Teaching Assistant, Mortar Board Honor Society

What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: I wish I had known what and where Tipitina's was my freshman year...Soooo many good concerts -- look it up!!! And also that everybody who is undecided should take macroeconomics, microeconomics, and psychology freshman year because they are 1) very interesting 2) very useful and 3) count as pre-requisites if you decide to switch to the business school your sophomore year (like I did)!

18. Maddie Kruger

Celebrating the end of a tough marathon in City Park!

Hometown: Rockville, MD

Grade: Senior

Major: Marketing

Favorite part of Tulane​: One of my favorite things about Tulane is how flexible the academic programs are. I am in the business school, but I have taken classes in digital art, dance, and theater. I have also taken courses in creative writing, third world cinema, and Roman history. I am very lucky that Tulane has encouraged me to grow and learn about topics outside of my major that I am passionate about. 
Favorite thing about working at the Admission Office: My favorite thing about being an intern is having the opportunity to share my love for Tulane with the perspective students. Plus, the other interns are a lot of fun to be around-- there is never a dull moment in the office. ​

Favorite restaurant or meal in New Orleans: Dat Dog is my all time favorite restaurant in this country. I always get the same thing when I go and I am never disappointed: An alligator sausage, tomatoes, onions, guacamole, and creole mustard. 

What I'm involved in on campus:  I am the VP of Special Events for the Green Wave Ambassadors (Tulane's tour guide association), Greek life, Women in Business, and I am a student worker in the Business School's Advising Office

What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: I wish I knew to look at the festival schedule. As a freshman, I was completely clueless as to what was going on outside of the Tulane campus. It took me almost an entire semester to realize just how much New Orleans had to offer. As a senior, I go off campus all the time to explore and take in the city. I recommend immersing yourself in New Orleans the moment you get here--you won't regret it. 

19. Brooke Farrenkopf

Happy at Mardi Gras!

Hometown: Lake Forest, CA 

Grade: Senior

Major: Public Health; Minor: Psychology (I'm premed, too!) 

Favorite thing about Tulane​: Tulane is just so fun!  There is always something super exciting to do, and everyone here is always willing to go on an adventure. Everyone is so friendly is fun…it's impossible to be bored here!

Favorite thing about working at the Admission Office: I love that I get to help introduce people to my favorite city! I'm always excited to give a restaurant recommendation or encourage a family to go to one of New Orleans' fun festivals! 

Favorite restaurant or meal in New Orleans: Gluten free pesto turkey sandwich from Satsuma!!  And you can't notttt get the most delicious chocolate cookie!  This lovely meal is best enjoyed at brunch on a beautiful, sunny Saturday or Sunday.  (Oh now I'm hungry!!) 

What I'm involved in on campus: President of Public Health USG, USG Senator, Kappa Alpha Theta leadership positions, I worked for the Louisiana Public Health Institute and the New Orleans Faith Health Alliance clinic, public health grad school lab research, Peer Health Educator at theWELL (but I'm not anymore!) 

What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: Someone told me to never go to the same restaurant twice until I've found five new restaurants.  It was the best way to get to know New Orleans and I made a lot of new friends looking for new yummy places to eat! 

20. Jen Millman

Showing Tulane pride at a football game!

Hometown: Dirty Jerz (Harrington Park in Bergen County for anyone who knows) 

Grade: Senior

Major: Finance

Favorite thing about Tulane​: It's Camp Tulane - everything about it is perfect...and its in the best city in the country!

Favorite thing about working at the Admission Office: Getting to chat with al the families and helping them love Tulane as much as I do.

Favorite restaurant or meal in New Orleans: I think this is a trick question because how could I have just one favorite?! Breakfast: Eggs Apolline with Cinnamon Bacon from Apoline on Magazine. Lunch: roasted cauliflower and every pizza at Domenica (or Pizza Domenica). Dinner: Lobster dumplings and scalibut at GW Fins. Dessert: Black and Gold ice cream from Creole Creamery. And just so you know, I was a picky eater before I came to Tulane!

What I'm involved in on campus: Green Wave Ambassadors, Greek life, and I studied abroad in Madrid.

What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: How fast these four years would fly by!

21. Nora Colman 

Dancing with the St. Charles streetcar band!

Hometown: Washington, DC
Grade: Senior

Major: History and Spanish double major

Favorite thing about Tulane​: Tulane has the perfect balance - you get the benefits of the city while living in a residential area and across the street from beautiful Audubon park, and the student population is big enough that you always know people wherever you are but isn't so big that you can't feel comfortable. I went abroad in the fall of my Junior year and really missed Tulane!

Favorite thing about working at the Admission Office: I love hearing the excitement in perspective students' voices when they first come to Tulane and realize that it is their top choice. Their excitement reminds me to be thankful for everything Tulane has given me! Giving meal recommendations is also a lot of fun.
Favorite restaurant or meal in New Orleans: I have to break this down by meals...Breakfast: Green breakfast sandwich from Satsuma, Lunch: Roasted cauliflower and the wild mushroom pizza from Domenica, Dinner: Anything at GW Fins. Dessert would probably be a brownie sundae from Louisiana Pizza Kitchen or anything at Creole Creamery.

What I'm involved in on campus: Green Wave Ambassadors, admissions intern, religious life, Greek life, and studied abroad in Granada, Spain.

What I wish I'd known coming into Tulane: First of all, invest in good rain boots and a good raincoat - it will be worth it! Second of all, take advantage of every opportunity that you can and go to every event that offers free t-shirts and/or food.

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If you have any questions and would like to contact us, you can do so by calling 504-865-5731, emailing us at interns@tulane.edu, or chatting with us at http://admission.tulane.edu/contact/chat/.

Good luck in the admission process and Roll Wave!