Hi everyone! My name is Joseph, I'm from St. Louis, MO, and I'm a freshman majoring in art history and minoring in museum studies and most likely French literature. I'm a lover of contemporary art, music, and the craziness called life.
 
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Why Hopkins?
As an art history major, it was important for me to be in a place with a thriving art scene. Not only are there so many museums so close to campus, if not right on it, and around Baltimore, coming to the east coast puts me so much closer to other major cities playing a large role in shaping the world of art today. I love Hopkins because while I'm in the city walking around Baltimore, stepping onto our amazing campus feels completely different. Another thing that's so great about Hopkins is the people; everyone is so welcoming and engaging, which has made it so easy to create my new home here in Baltimore.

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My Classes

Fall 2011:

• Introduction to the History of European Art: Ancient to Medieval
• Introduction to the Museum: Past and Present
• High-Intermediate French
• Introduction to Global Environmental Change
• Understanding Aid

Spring 2012:

• Introduction to the History of European Art II: Renaissance to Modern
• Introduction to the Museum: Issues and Ideas
• High-Intermediate French II
• Perspectives on the Evolution of Structures
• Introduction to Digital Photography

Fall 2012:

• Matisse, Picasso, and Twentieth-Century Art
• Renaissance Art in the Netherlands, 1400-1500
• Global Perspectives on the Museum
• Encountering the Art of East Asia: Museum Display, Theory and Practice (at the Walters Art Museum)
• Advanced Writing and Speaking in French
• Elements of Visual Thinking I (at the Maryland Institute College of Art)

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My Extracurriculars

• Art Brigade!: Art Brigade! is seriously the best thing...ever. Once a week our group goes to an East Baltimore community center to do arts and crafts with the students. They're all hilarious and really appreciative and it's just an all-around great time that lets us get directly involved in the Baltimore community.
• Relay for Life: Throughout the year, Relay plans a variety of events to fight back against cancer, such as an overnight walk representing the battle that cancer patients go through. I'm working on the luminaria committee, which means organizing the portion of Relay where we remember those affected by cancer by placing candles dedicated to cancer victims around the track. I've gone to Relay for several years in St. Louis with my dad, a cancer survivor himself, so I'm really enjoying getting to contribute to the event here at Hopkins.
• SAAB: The Student Admissions Advisory Board, or SAAB, is what allows me to blog to all of you who are interested in Hopkins to give honest insight on what it's like being a student at Hopkins. We're also in charge of running this forum, so I hope you find it to be a valuable resource and don't be afraid to ask questions!
• Office Assistant at the Baltimore Museum of Art: I'm thrilled to be working at the BMA because it's giving me the opportunity to get straight into the operations of the museum. I'm in the American Painting and Sculpture department in the curatorial offices, and for me, it's been really helpful to have a job. It's great to see that employers around Hopkins recognize the strength of our students, even as a freshman.

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My Dorm

As a freshman I'm living in McCoy Hall, which is across from the Beach and close to so many of the restaurants around Hopkins. I live in a suite, meaning I have one roommate and two suitemates who I share a kitchen and bathroom with. Did I mention they're all BME's? I love the convenience and added space that comes with having our own kitchen and bathroom, and there's a lounge on our floor where everyone's always hanging out. Although it's mainly a sophomore dorm, my freshman-only floor has become extremely close and I love living in McCoy.

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Feel free to ask me any question you may have, I'm more than happy to tell you all about Hopkins!