California Girl in New York City
Rizza - Tuesday, June 10, 2008 - So summer is finally here and I am currently in New York City doing a biomedical internship at the Gene Center in Hunter College. It’s my first week here and I already feel right at home. It’s quite funny because a lot of the locals can tell I’m from California because I don’t jay-walk like them (I’m the only one on the street corner waiting for the “walking man” light to come on). Nonetheless, I am doing a good job adapting to a temporary lifestyle in New York City!
I am getting better day by day at using public transportation. I meet some great people that I will be working with this summer and they have a lot of the same interest as I do such as going out clubbing in the city, shopping, and of course, eating out.
The only negative aspect about living in New York City is that it’s very expensive to live here! Thank goodness I meet locals that can show me around the cheap spots around Manhattan because even though I am in a new city, I am still a college student with a very tight budget.
I am very fortunate to be doing research Developmental Biology because it is my area of interest. My research pertains to Embryonic Stem Cells and fusing a diploid cell with green fluorescent protein (GFP) to trace the pathway of cell division. This past week was just to familiarize myself with standard lab techniques and protocol. On top of being an intern I have also become the typical tourist exploring the Big Apple.
Next week I will be going to the Statue of Liberty as well as the Empire State Building. This week alone I have walked Central Park, roamed around the streets of Time Square, and spent the night away at a club in busy Manhattan. I am having the time of my life!
